Hitters Who Are Working Hard at the Net

<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><a href="https://prepdig.com/prospect-index/"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2026/02/image_b1c269.png" alt="" class="wp-image-943383" style="width:289px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: digdakotas30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepdigdakotas/?hl=en">Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</a>   Through disciplined block touches, relentless transitions, sealed seams, and second-effort swings when the first one doesn't terminate. At every level of the game, the hitters who separate themselves aren't just the ones putting balls away. They're the ones grinding at the tape, battling above the net, and refusing to take plays off.   Working hard at the net means closing blocks with intent. It means pressing hands over and taking away angles. It means reloading in transition after a stuff block and demanding the next ball. It's physical. It's technical. And it's relentless.   The hitters featured below aren't waiting for the perfect set or the perfect moment. They're creating impact through effort, discipline, and presence. And when matches tighten, that kind of net work becomes the difference.    From the sideline, [player_tooltip player_id='843160' first='Keagan' last='Eischeid']'s presence at the net is immediate. She establishes a strong base in her approach and stays loaded through her last two steps, allowing her to generate lift and contact high above the tape. What stands out most is her willingness to swing into a formed block and work high hands rather than avoiding pressure.   Defensively, Eischeid closes well from the right pin, sealing the line and pressing inside hands to eliminate sharp cross-court angles. She reloads quickly in transition, staying available after block touches instead of drifting. Her net work is disciplined and physical — she competes for space above the tape every rally. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     N<code>e</code>epa Hyde plays with controlled aggression on the outside. Her footwork in serve receive transitions seamlessly into offense — she clears space efficiently and gets square to the setter, allowing her to attack in rhythm. From the sideline, you notice how well she sees the block. She doesn't force low-percentage swings; she manipulates hands and places the ball with intent.   At the net, Hyde does the dirty work. She presses hard on block attempts and tracks the setter's release, closing late seams with urgency. In extended rallies, she maintains defensive posture and quickly shifts from coverage to offensive approach. Her motor doesn't drop — and that shows up in tight sets. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='940185' first='Ruby' last='Garlinski'] competes physically at the net. Her approach has pace, and she attacks with full extension through contact, especially on in-system balls from the right side. She is comfortable terminating down the line and forcing defenders to respect that angle.   Blocking-wise, Garlinski is active with her hands. She doesn't just jump — she penetrates. Her shoulders stay square and she takes away high seam swings effectively. On second-ball opportunities, she remains engaged and ready to convert transition swings. The effort level is consistent and visible from first point to last. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='939958' first='Miranda' last='Nassen'] brings composure to the right side. From the sideline, what stands out is her ability to stay balanced through contact. Even when the set drifts, she adjusts her approach path and maintains a high contact point. She doesn't rush — she finishes swings with control.   At the net defensively, Nassen closes cross-court with discipline and keeps her hands inside the antenna. She communicates early on seam responsibility and tracks hitters well. Her work rate in transition keeps the offense from becoming predictable, especially in longer rallies. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='730397' first='Claire' last='Kenny'] plays with tempo and urgency. Her approach mechanics are clean — strong penultimate step, explosive takeoff, and full arm extension. She swings aggressively in rhythm but also shows the ability to recycle off the block when the seam closes.   Blocking on the outside, Kenny stays patient before committing. She times her jump well and presses above the tape rather than reacting late. You can see her compete for every net touch — whether it's sealing a block or covering a deflection. That consistency separates her. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='940609' first='Delanie' last='Clausen'] works relentlessly in the middle. She closes laterally with purpose, reading the setter's shoulders and beating the hitter to the spot. Her hands are active and she penetrates above the tape, not just occupying space but taking it away.   Offensively, Clausen runs first tempo with discipline and stays available in transition. After block contact, she reloads quickly and presents again, forcing the defense to account for her repeatedly. Her net presence impacts both phases of play. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='940586' first='Eliot' last='Powers'] brings power and length to the outside. Her approach generates lift, allowing her to contact at a high point and attack deep seams. From the sideline, you notice how she stays aggressive even in out-of-system situations — maintaining arm speed and confidence.   At the net, Powers presses with intent and challenges hitters rather than absorbing contact. She transitions quickly from block to approach and stays engaged in coverage. Her physicality shows up most when rallies extend. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='777365' first='Gabrielle' last='Gamblin'] establishes control in the middle third of the net. Her lateral footwork is efficient, and she closes seams without overcommitting. She times her block well, staying patient before pressing over the tape to eliminate angles.   Offensively, Gamblin attacks with control and purpose. She runs quick tempo comfortably and adjusts well when the pass pulls the setter off the net. Her repeat effort in transition keeps her live throughout the rally. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas     [player_tooltip player_id='939201' first='Finley' last='Rooney'] competes with edge in the middle. Her block timing is disciplined, and she uses strong inside hands to funnel swings back into her defense. From the sideline, you can see her tracking tempo and adjusting depth pre-contact.   In transition, Rooney reloads quickly and maintains full extension through contact. She doesn't drift after her first action — she stays engaged for second and third phases. Her net work is consistent and physical, making her a factor across rotations. ~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>   Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at PrepDig.com. With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!   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