Prep Dig Champions Cup Preview: Who Will Control The Tempo?

<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="aspect-ratio:2.014243050769584;width:353px;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>   The Prep Dig Champions Cup won't just be decided by who swings the hardest — it will be decided by who controls the rhythm of the match.   In high-level tournament play, tempo separates contenders from pretenders. It's the ability to accelerate in transition, slow the game down after chaos, and dictate pace from first contact to match point. The teams that thrive in this environment are the ones that manage serve receive under pressure, run efficient first-ball side out, and stay disciplined in system when rallies extend.   As we head into Champions Cup, watch the teams that command the second contact, close seams with urgency, and reload quickly after block touches. When competition tightens and momentum swings, tempo becomes everything. The question isn't just who will score — it's who will control the pace when it matters most.    [player_tooltip player_id='522873' first='Kala' last='Lahm'] controls pace with precision. From the first whistle, she establishes rhythm through disciplined footwork and strong base positioning. She squares her shoulders consistently and delivers a clean, repeatable release that keeps hitters on schedule. Lahm does an excellent job accelerating the middle in-system, forcing blockers to stay honest and preventing the offense from becoming predictable.   In transition, she stays composed. When the pass pulls her off the net, she resets her feet quickly and still delivers a hittable ball with tempo. Her communication is constant, and you can see her directing traffic between rallies. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   What to expect this weekend: Lahm will look to dictate early tempo and keep her offense balanced across zones, especially through first-ball side out.     [player_tooltip player_id='903052' first='Brenna' last='Gutowski'] brings energy and urgency to the position. She moves aggressively to the ball and beats it to the spot rather than reacting late. Her hands are quick, allowing her to stretch the floor to both antennas while still maintaining tempo to the middle.   Gutowski isn't afraid to challenge defenses. She varies speed well and will push pace when she senses a mismatch. Her competitive edge shows in tight sets — she leans into pressure rather than managing around it. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   What to expect this weekend: Gutowski will look to speed up the game, especially in transition, forcing opponents to adjust to her tempo shifts.     [player_tooltip player_id='743327' first='Adalynn' last='Her'] operates with poise and vision. She reads first contact early and positions herself to minimize emergency movement. Her release is compact and controlled, and she consistently delivers a clean window for attackers.   Her distribution reflects awareness — she doesn't lock in on one hitter but works to create one-on-one opportunities. Her tempo management is steady rather than flashy, keeping the offense flowing even when rallies extend. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   What to expect this weekend: Her will likely focus on efficiency, maintaining offensive balance and limiting forced swings under pressure.     [player_tooltip player_id='789940' first='Estelle' last='Schleis'] thrives in out-of-system situations. She tracks tight passes well and maintains body control while setting on the move. Her ability to extend plays keeps her offense live when structure breaks down.   Schleis also competes at the net. She's aware of second-contact opportunities and keeps blockers honest by threatening when the defense releases. Her energy is noticeable, especially during momentum swings. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   What to expect this weekend: Schleis will look to stabilize chaotic sequences and convert scramble plays into controlled offensive opportunities.     [player_tooltip player_id='522556' first='Payton' last='Reiter']'s strength lies in tempo discipline. She establishes a strong base before release and delivers consistent ball placement. Her timing with middles is clean, allowing quick sets to stay in rhythm and stretch opposing blockers laterally.   Reiter manages pace thoughtfully. She recognizes when to reset the offense and when to accelerate. Her composure in longer rallies helps maintain structure and prevent breakdowns. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   What to expect this weekend: Reiter will aim to control first-ball side out and keep her middles heavily involved in tempo offense.     [player_tooltip player_id='587049' first='Ashley' last='Stewart'] brings assertiveness and court presence. She communicates early and often, directing serve receive and transition structure. Her hands are active and decisive, and she runs a confident push tempo to the pins.   Stewart's leadership shows in pressure moments. She embraces the responsibility of the second contact and continues delivering with intent when matches tighten. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   What to expect this weekend: Stewart will likely challenge blockers by stretching tempo to the antennas and maintaining offensive confidence late in sets.     [player_tooltip player_id='835772' first='Amelia' last='Zoschke'] plays with balance and consistency. Her footwork to the ball is efficient, and she maintains strong posture through contact. She delivers a predictable, hittable window that allows attackers to stay aggressive.   Zoschke's decision-making is steady. She works to distribute evenly and keeps defenses from keying on a single option. Her transition from defense to offense is smooth and controlled. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   What to expect this weekend: Zoschke will look to maintain rhythm throughout rotations and provide stable tempo when rallies extend.     [player_tooltip player_id='522580' first='Ella' last='Wallner'] operates with confidence and pace. She establishes quick tempo early and keeps the ball moving with intent. Her lateral movement along the net is fluid, allowing her to deliver consistent sets from multiple release points.   Wallner competes in second-contact scenarios and doesn't hesitate to take advantage when defenses relax. Her energy keeps her hitters engaged and ready. ~Theresa @prepdigdakotas   What to expect this weekend: Wallner will aim to keep tempo high and apply pressure through quick decision-making and assertive distribution.    <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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