If we’re allowed to give a “Underdog Team of the Tournament” award, it would have to go to Holdrege. The Dusters hadn’t won a tournament match before this year, but this crew rode its No. 8 seed all the way to the C1 title match. Pelster played a major role in the effort through her play in the back row, especially given her unusual niche along the end line. Rather than patrolling the left-back area like most liberos, Pelster slotted into middle back and commanded as much court as possible. When Holdrege needed a first-ball sideout, its senior libero could always get the play started through her passing.

If we’re allowed to give a “Underdog Team of the Tournament” award, it would have to go to Holdrege. The Dusters hadn’t won a tournament match before this year, but this crew rode its No. 8 seed all the way to the C1 title match. Pelster played a major role in the effort through her play in the back row, especially given her unusual niche along the end line. Rather than patrolling the left-back area like most liberos, Pelster slotted into middle back and commanded as much court as possible. When Holdrege needed a first-ball sideout, its senior libero could always get the play started through her passing.