Triple Crown: Who Controlled the Middle Under Pressure

<a href="https://prepdig.com/subscribe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This article is made possible by PrepDig subscribers. Thank you! ~ You can join with 30% off using code: TripleCrown</a>   At Triple Crown, offenses run faster and defensive discipline becomes non-negotiable. Opposing pins swing heavier. The margin for error at the net shrinks quickly. In that environment, controlling the net is not about size alone. It is about timing, discipline, and the ability to maintain structure when the pace accelerates.   The middle carries that responsibility first. She sets the blocking tone against high IQ, high tempo hitters. She reads setter intent before the ball leaves the hands. She closes seams with purpose, reloads efficiently, and transitions from block to first-tempo option in seconds. When she executes consistently, defensive flow stabilizes and offensive rhythm becomes repeatable.   College coaches evaluate this position differently. They track first steps. They study hand discipline. They watch how often a middle is available in transition even when the play is out-of-system. They want to see whether she can influence momentum through disciplined net control and sustain that standard across multiple matches.   The athletes below did exactly that. Their impact showed up in block timing, transition availability, and the ability to anchor the net when pressure built.    [player_tooltip player_id='516263' first='Sasha' last='Slaughter'] translated training directly into match impact, executing technical adjustments in pressure moments. A four-for-four stretch with no errors in a single set generated immediate momentum and shifted the tone for her team. Her shot distribution showed intentionality, varying angles and attack zones to avoid becoming predictable. With college coaches sitting courtside, she did not retreat from the moment. Instead, her focus sharpened. She maintained emotional presence, kept teammates engaged, and influenced energy during key scoring runs.   Her next layer of development centers on spacing off the net. Coaching feedback emphasized creating more separation to prevent blocks from lining her up when she drifts too tight. She is working to combine her existing shot variety with improved footwork patterns to increase efficiency and repeatability. Off the court, Slaughter invests in mindset training to manage upcoming recruiting decisions, maintains a 4.0 GPA including AP Computer Science, and volunteers at the Marine Mammal Center in Marin County.   [player_tooltip player_id='516263' first='Sasha' last='Slaughter'] will compete next at the Red Rock Rave National Qualifier in Las Vegas on March 14th–16th.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     At the LOVB Pro Camp, [player_tooltip player_id='702584' first='Ellie' last='Garcia'] targeted specific defensive growth, particularly left back reads and blocking recovery mechanics. Through ARY drills and position-specific work with pro middles, she sharpened footwork patterns and added emergency moves when late closing the block. Eye sequencing drills that required continuous tracking across the net improved her ability to stay disciplined in transition. The feedback was direct and technical, and she absorbed it with purpose.   That preparation showed up immediately at Triple Crown. Garcia delivered consistent block touches along with multiple solo and duo blocks, closing faster and sealing with improved timing. Defensively, she expanded her range, picking up tips, swings, roll shots, and setter dumps from both left back and right back. As a serving middle, she provided rotation stability, missing only two serves across the weekend while maintaining one of the highest serving percentages on her team. Her presence created steadiness across phases.   Her next development focus centers on accelerating her approach tempo and executing a more explosive one-foot slide. Coaching cues emphasize syncing arm swing mechanics with lower body drive to maximize extension. She is also reinforcing trust in her back row on setter dumps to maintain structural integrity at the net. Off the court, Garcia raises and shows pigs for the state fair, recently earning a callback in her class and finishing second overall in heavyweight, a reflection of discipline and long-term commitment outside the gym.   Ellie Jewell Garcia will compete next at Red Rock Rave on March 14th–17th.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='947390' first='Kaya' last='Love Young'] refused to let momentum drift. After dropping the first set in the final match of day one, Young contributed a critical serving run that shifted tempo in the second set. During that stretch, she extended rallies with digs and out-of-system touches that stabilized play and allowed her team to regain structure. Late in the day, after a lengthy delay at the scorer's table, she redirected idle energy into engagement, keeping teammates active and mentally sharp before closing out the match. Even after being blocked or tooled, she immediately called for the ball again, reinforcing a next-play standard that anchored team confidence.   Her growth focus centers on blocking discipline. Coaching feedback emphasized pushing back into the court rather than reaching forward, and using her outside arm more efficiently to seal. She plans to study film to correct positioning errors and model stronger hand placement patterns. Off the court, Young studies marine environmental science and is preparing for a move to Hawaii, where she is eager to pursue hands-on ecosystem work and deepen that academic interest.   [player_tooltip player_id='947390' first='Kaya' last='Love Young'] hopes to compete again with Sunshine around May or June while continuing semi-pro competition in Germany.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     At camp prior to the tournament, [player_tooltip player_id='701887' first='Avery' last='Reed'] maximized middle-specific reps, sharpening slide execution and gaining live feedback from college coaches in attendance. That work translated into match play. Reed showed improved spacing and timing on both attack and block, converting scoring opportunities when her team needed points. She leaned into the 3-set effectively, creating tempo variation and maintaining rhythm with her setters. From the service line, she added value with four aces that created separation in a tight match and helped secure the win against a strong opponent.   Her development focus remains centered on refining setter connection and continuing to strengthen spacing and timing in both blocking and transition offense. She is investing in additional reps outside of team training to build more consistent middle-setter chemistry under game speed. Off the court, Reed recently began teaching herself guitar, adding it to hiking and camping trips with friends, reflecting balance and creativity outside the gym.   [player_tooltip player_id='701887' first='Avery' last='Reed'] will compete next at SCSN 16U Event #3 on March 7th and the Windy City Qualifier in Chicago on April 3rd–5th.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247     [player_tooltip player_id='727060' first='Makenna' last='Grieshaber'] approached Triple Crown with a clear emphasis on blocking presence, and it showed. Grieshaber sealed consistently, pressed over with intention, and closed seams with improved lateral quickness. Her hand discipline created cleaner block structure, and she sustained that standard against high-level competition. Beyond mechanics, she maintained emotional steadiness, directing her energy toward controllables such as effort and attitude, which allowed her to compete with clarity across long match days.   Her next development layer centers on strengthening middle-setter connection and building greater consistency across defensive reps and serving pressure. While comfortable running multiple tempos, she is prioritizing timing precision and trust in match situations. She is also dedicating extra gym time to improve dig range, out-of-system setting accuracy, and service aggression to expand her all-around reliability. Off the court, Grieshaber is preparing for her first mission trip, where she will serve internationally and use her Spanish immersion background to connect with children, reflecting leadership beyond the sport.   [player_tooltip player_id='727060' first='Makenna' last='Grieshaber'] will compete next at SCSN Event #3 on March 7th, followed by Red Rock Rave in Las Vegas on March 14th–16th.   ~ Michelle Bamford @Coachable247    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">If You Enjoyed This Article, Help Us Keep the Momentum Going</h2>   🔥 Players Use this article to grow. Take notes, study what makes others stand out, and apply it to your own journey. Want to take the next step? Reach out to a featured athlete and introduce yourself. 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