Defense Making the Difference in Must-Win Matches This Week

<!-- wp:image {"width":"131px","height":"auto","align":"left"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2025/10/image_e42f4e.png" alt="This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image_e42f4e.png" style="width:131px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepdig.com/events/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The 2025 Prep Dig Exposure Tour is officially LIVE!</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're hitting 20+ cities across the country this winter to give athletes a platform to compete, get seen, level up and get on coaches radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I'll personally be at Bloomington on Dec. 14 for all interested 2026-2029 prospects following the 2025 fall season. <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2026/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-minnesota-session-1"><strong>Click here to register</strong> <strong>for 2028-2029</strong></a> or <a href="https://events.prepdig.com/e/2027/register/prep-dig-exposure-tour-minnesota-session-2"><strong>click here to register for 2026-2027</strong></a> and use promo code <strong>“HICKMANPD25”</strong> to get $10 off your registration.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em><a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a></em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;<strong>digdakotas30</strong>&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Postseason is right around the corner, and this week's matchups are loaded with meaning — and pressure. Teams are battling for key positions in the standings that could shape their regional runs. Fargo North and Fargo South will square off for the No. 6 seed in the EDC, Carrington and Mayport are fighting for that coveted first-round bye in Class A Region 2, and Kindred meets Central Cass in a clash for the No. 3 seed in Region 1.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>But when it comes down to it — what's going to decide these games? <strong>Defense.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The backcourt will make or break the outcome. Defenders have to bring the hype, set the tone, and be the voice that anchors the floor. They need to read hitters early, see the court, and direct traffic. When the pressure hits, it's the libero and DS crew who control the chaos — flying for tips, digging heat, and keeping rallies alive long enough for their offense to strike back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>So who's stepping up this week as the defensive difference-makers? Let's take a look.<br>College coaches — these are the players you don't want to overlook.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["748631"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690900fd4a883"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='809431' first='Ruby' last='Hawley'] – Sophomore Libero – Fargo South</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='809431' first='Ruby' last='Hawley'] has been on an absolute tear this season, anchoring Fargo South's defense with elite consistency and court awareness. Sitting third in the EDC for total digs and closing in on the 500 mark, Ruby reads the game early and reacts faster. Her ability to turn tough swings into playable passes has made her one of the most reliable liberos in the region. As Fargo South battles for seeding this week, Ruby's challenge will be to keep the floor clean and command her backcourt — her voice and leadership will need to match her stat line. College coaches, this is a young libero who competes like a senior. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["728653"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690900fd4a8e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='728653' first='Gretchen' last='Snowden'] – Sophomore DS/Libero – Fargo North</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='728653' first='Gretchen' last='Snowden'] has quietly become one of the top defensive specialists in the 2028 class — surpassing the 400-dig mark and ranking among the top three defenders in her grade. She plays with fearless quickness, reacting to sharp angles and covering seams that most players can't touch. Gretchen brings the energy every time she steps on the floor, and this week she'll need to pair that hype with precision. Against a balanced offense like Fargo South's, her first-contact consistency and ability to read tips will be the difference between extending rallies and giving up free points. Coaches looking for a vocal, high-IQ defender — Gretchen checks every box. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Journey Peltier","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'5u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Carrington","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690900fd4a991"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Journey Peltier – Junior Libero – Carrington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carrington's defensive engine runs through Journey Peltier. A fast-twitch, defensive player with a gritty edge, she thrives on reading hitters and turning defense into transition. This week, she faces one of her biggest tests yet against a Mayport team loaded with power in the middle. Journey will need to stay disciplined in her angles and anticipate those heavy line shots early. Her ability to stabilize serve-receive and handle first-ball contact could dictate the pace of the match. Coaches — Journey's read-and-react instincts and ability to control momentum are next-level. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["725035"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690900fd4a9e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='800396' first='Hudson' last='Zerface'] – Senior DS/Libero – Mayport</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Veteran leadership and composure under pressure define [player_tooltip player_id='800396' first='Hudson' last='Zerface']. As a senior, she brings poise and control to Mayport's backcourt, reading plays before they unfold and keeping her team grounded when rallies stretch long. Facing a scrappy Carrington offense that runs tempo and attacks from all points, Hudson will need to stay one step ahead — tracking hitters and adjusting her positioning with precision. If she can disrupt Carrington's rhythm early, Mayport's offense will have the upper hand. For college coaches, Hudson's court sense and steady communication make her the kind of defender who elevates everyone around her. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["725046"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690900fd4aa2f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725046' first='Kendra' last='Braaten'] – Senior Libero – Central Cass</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='725046' first='Kendra' last='Braaten'] has been a quiet force all season for Central Cass — steady, calm, and always in the right spot. Her read on deep-corner attacks is exceptional, and her ability to make smooth, clean passes under pressure gives her team consistent options. As Central Cass faces heavy hitters who love to find the back line, Kendra's deep-court coverage will be crucial. Expect her to track those rotations early and keep the defense balanced. Coaches, Braaten's discipline and anticipation skills show the polish of a player ready to compete at the next level. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Mallory Keller","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"32926","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Kindred","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-690900fd4aabf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Mallory Keller – Sophomore DS – Kindred</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mallory Keller brings energy and grit to the Kindred backcourt, never backing down against top-tier attackers. Her quick reads and ability to adjust mid-play have made her one of the most improved defenders in her class. Facing a team that attacks relentlessly with high-IQ hitters, Mallory will need to stay patient, trust her reads, and stay aggressive on pursuit balls. Her ability to maintain ball control through long rallies could be the key to Kindred earning the win. College coaches should keep an eye on Keller — her tenacity and growing command of the floor make her a name to remember. <strong>~Theresa @prepdigdakotas</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>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.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a>&nbsp;With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->