High School News: Players To Track In The Back Row This Week

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/">Subscribe</a> to Prep Dig using discount code digdakotas30   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas   Defense wins championships, and this week the spotlight shifts to the back row, where five standouts are making their presence felt. From fearless diggers to steady serve-receive anchors, these players are dictating the flow of rallies and keeping their teams alive in tough moments. Stats may shift as the season unfolds, but right now these defenders are setting the tone and proving why the back row is just as important as the front line. So, who's leading the charge in defense this week? Let's take a look.    [player_tooltip player_id='802148' first='Jolie' last='Lien'] has been nothing short of a defensive anchor for Watertown, already surpassing the 200-dig mark early in the season. The senior libero reads hitters with precision, consistently positioning herself to extend rallies and frustrate opposing offenses. Her quick first step and ability to control hard-driven balls in serve receive make her a steadying force in the back row.   Recently, Lien has showcased not just volume, but efficiency — digging in-system balls that allow her setter to run a balanced offense. Her platform discipline, combined with fearless pursuit in coverage, has made her the difference-maker in tight sets. For coaches looking at defensive specialists who can flip momentum with one play, Lien is proving she's a player to keep on the radar this week.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Highlights: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2SfqEz">http://www.hudl.com/v/2SfqEz</a>     Lexy Rolph has already carved out her role as Harding County's defensive backbone, crossing the 200-dig mark this season. Her instincts in the back row stand out — she anticipates hitters well and reacts with quick, controlled movements that keep the ball playable in tough situations.   What separates Rolph is her ability to turn defense into transition offense. Whether it's sprawling out for a pancake or keeping a heavy swing alive with a clean dig, she consistently delivers balls her setter can use to reset the attack. Coaches and fans alike should take note: Rolph's poise and production at such a young age make her one of the most exciting back-row prospects to track this week.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     Senior libero [player_tooltip player_id='802150' first='Jolie' last='Palmer'] has been a stabilizing force for Miller, already collecting over 170 digs on the season and will continue to grow that number. Her court presence is undeniable — she communicates with authority, directs the back row, and has a knack for being in the right spot at the right time.   Palmer's ability to handle tough serves and sharp cross-court swings has been key in keeping Miller in system. She plays with confidence in serve receive and isn't afraid to sacrifice her body to keep a rally alive. As Miller pushes through the heart of the schedule, Palmer's leadership and steady defensive play will be critical in their pursuit of more wins.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Highlights: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2SgJeT">http://www.hudl.com/v/2SgJeT</a>     Senior libero Alaina Dosch has been a steady defensive presence for North Central, already surpassing the 170-dig milestone this season. Her game is built on discipline and consistency — she rarely gets caught out of position and provides her team with reliable first contacts that keep the offense flowing.   Dosch's quiet confidence in the back row has been key for North Central's success. She reads hitters well, makes smart adjustments mid-rally, and keeps her platform clean even under pressure. With her ability to neutralize heavy swings and extend rallies, Dosch continues to prove why she's one of the top defensive players to watch in South Dakota this week.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   Highlights: <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15516820/68c7ac2e7008066d9e602cea">https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15516820/68c7ac2e7008066d9e602cea</a>     Already ranked among our top 10 defensive specialists/liberos, senior [player_tooltip player_id='729821' first='Remie' last='Roduner'] is showing exactly why she earned that recognition. With 160 digs already this season, she continues to be a difference-maker in the back row. Her court awareness and quick reaction time allow her to cover large areas, taking pressure off her teammates and keeping rallies alive.   Roduner also brings an aggressive mentality to defense — she isn't just reacting, she's dictating play by reading hitters and anticipating their tendencies. That ability to disrupt opponents and turn tough digs into playable passes makes her one of the most complete back-row defenders in the region. With her proven production and ranking, she's a must-watch this week as her season momentum builds.~Theresa @prepdigdakotas    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</h2>   This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.   Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman   Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas

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