From Digs to Domination: Rally Cup’s Defensive Elite: Part 2

At the Rally Cup Varsity Silver Division, backcourt warriors proved just as vital as the big hitters up front. These liberos and defensive specialists consistently made the hustle plays, delivered dime-perfect passes, and set the tone for team confidence and control. Here are six DS/libero athletes whose court vision, reaction time, and relentless energy made them nearly untouchable.    Olivia plays with energy and grit. She's excellent at reading off-speed shots and filling the gaps between middle and backcourt. With a solid serve and fast movement through coverage lanes, she creates opportunities for long rallies and broken plays that can turn the tide of a match. Her hustle doesn't go unnoticed.     Mallory's footwork and timing in coverage are among the best on her team. She's aggressive on float serves, has no hesitation in laying out for a dig, and is trusted in high-pressure moments. Whether controlling tempo or covering tips, she brings a reliable presence that keeps Dunwoody's floor defense in sync.     Despite being listed as a dual-position player, Quick showed real command as a defensive specialist. She's a scrappy competitor with sharp instincts and quick hands—able to read hitters well and get under tough swings.     Pekez showcased a strong sense of urgency, turning challenging situations into second-chance opportunities. Her fearless approach to serve receive and ability to move seamlessly across zones helped keep the ball alive during high-pressure moments.     A quiet storm in the back row, Bracco played with grit and speed. She read hitters early and was always in the right place, showing off polished footwork and precise passing under pressure. A clutch digger and momentum stabilizer.     Melton's floor leadership was apparent from the first serve. Her ability to track down deep shots and drop into perfect angles in transition made her a dependable presence on serve receive. She also brought strong vocal energy, helping keep her team locked in defensively.    Note to GA Athletes: If I didn't get the chance to write about you this week — I see you and I appreciate your game! I covered as many players as I could at AAU Nationals, but with limited time and so many talented athletes, I couldn't feature everyone. If you'd like to be considered for future coverage, please send me your high school season schedule and share a little bit about yourself so I can come support you and share your story. Let's keep building Georgia volleyball together! Fill out the "Cover My Game" Link in my bio @benchtobeast on IG   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">If you enjoyed this article, show your support by following<a href="https://www.instagram.com/benchtobeast/"> BenchtoBeast</a> for exclusive Georgia content, behind-the-scenes action, and a closer look at the volleyball community you love.</h3>   We're on a mission to spotlight talent, uplift families, and bring the volleyball community closer than ever! Huge shoutout to our amazing subscribers — you're the heartbeat of this movement. Thank you for your help growing the game, and making every moment unforgettable. The best is yet to come — let's get it!   <h4 class="wp-block-heading">This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</h4>   Building bridges between hustle and opportunity — that's the power of this community! ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast

At the Rally Cup Varsity Silver Division, backcourt warriors proved just as vital as the big hitters up front. These liberos and defensive specialists consistently made the hustle plays, delivered dime-perfect passes, and set the tone for team confidence and control. Here are six DS/libero athletes whose court vision, reaction time, and relentless energy made them nearly untouchable.