These Athletes Play Defense Like Rossini (Free Report)

Lynnes is the mezzo-soprano of this Kansas crop of liberos. She is ranked No. 33 overall and the No. 1-ranked libero in the class. There are a couple of solid defensive hitters ranked above her (Spoiler Alert for tomorrow's report); however, she is the highest-ranked back-row beast in the incoming Kansas junior class. She finished her sophomore campaign with 283 digs and 355 serve receptions. She is an athlete college coaches will want to watch on "Opening Night," or any night, for that matter.

So Goessel's Dureksen has the versatility to be used as an attacker, but I owe her one, so I will include her in the report of defensive maestros. She is in the class of 2028, not the class of 2029, even though she is still listed as a freshman on some public websites, but I keep forgetting. She tallied 346 digs, 418 serve receptions, and 416 kills in her sophomore campaign. I have no idea if she can hit the high note or not, but she is a highlight reel in the making. I have a sneaky suspicion that most college coaches will see her as a defense-first utility hitter at the next level. She is ranked No. 46 overall by Prep Dig Kansas.

Lundy is a defensive star for the St. Mary's Colgan Panthers. She collected 488 digs and 615 serve receptions during her sophomore season. She is ranked No. 49 overall and is the third-highest-ranked libero. While I have not yet seen Dialogues des Carmélites, I hear it is more tragic than Puccini's Madame Butterfly or La Boheme. It's based on the true story of 16 nuns who were martyred during the French Revolution. Here's hoping Lundy's upcoming junior season is far less tragic, and it makes her happier than when this guy crushes a Turkey and Ham Overstuffed Sandwich at Pittsburg's Mall Deli!

Morrison is going to be a baritone in this production. Not for her singing ability, but because she can get low to make the tough dig. She finished her sophomore season with 304 digs and 524 serve receptions for Bishop Miege. She is ranked No. 60 overall in the Kansas Class of 2028. Since I know that Morrison plays for the Stags, that makes me think of German Composers for some reason. Whether it's a Strauss or Wagner production, Morrison has the defensive chops to take on any difficult leading role.

The Seaman prospect is ranked No. 85 overall and recently participated in the Kansas City, Kansas, Prep Dig Exposure Tour stop. She has quick feet and a little bit of a mean streak to her game. She would fit in well in the role of a Valkyrie in a production of the Viking Rock Opera, Valhalla. Or maybe, she would rather sing and dance in an ABBA cover band so she could get her "Dancing Queen" on. Of course, now I am thinking of the song "Fernando" and my favorite opera, Carmen. Or now that the train has for sure left the tracks, maybe she can star in the next Thor movie. Here endeth the lesson!