Samantha carries a substantial defensive workload for Union County. Her season has included more than 400 digs, and she is responsible for a significant share of the team’s serve-receive work. That role requires her to make quick decisions about ball ownership and platform angle while maintaining communication with the players beside her.

Union County’s semifinal against Coahulla Creek became a five-set match after the Panthers won the first two sets. For the libero, those changes require the same technical discipline regardless of the score. Samantha’s job is to help the team establish clean first contact and keep the offense available, particularly when an opponent begins serving more aggressively. Continued growth in seam communication and defensive positioning can make her an even more reliable back-row presence. ~ Samantha Fitzgerald @BenchtoBeast_prepdigga