Among The Elite, Top Liberos At Prep Dig Gauntlet
The Prep Dig Gauntlet is just over two weeks away. Schedules are being made, details being tied up, lets get the live period rolling in Madison with some of the top prospects and commits at libero.
Saige Damrow – FC Elite 16 Navy – Class of 2023
Committed to Wisconsin
Yes, you read that correctly, Class of 2023 committed to Wisconsin. Damrow has been on the radar the past couple years playing two years up from her grade and fitting right in. She made her commit before the rule changes came into play May 1. A homegrown Badger. Damrow has such a high volleyball IQ, she communicates with her teammates on where to swing, she can put up a great second ball, and isn’t afraid to take control in the backrow. Her game is obviously strong, but she is involved with all of her teammates between plays telling them what to look for, giving a touch to all, she has the intangibles to compete at a high level despite not having set foot a day as a high school student.
Katherine Walch – FC Elite 17 Navy – Class of 2020
Committed To Michigan Tech
High character, high academic, high energy. Walch is quite the spark plug for FC Elite 17 Navy providing a ton of energy on the court that is contagious for her team to be around. Walch is also able to provide the first contact to get their team in system that has big pin hitters in Katie DiRaimondo, Emma Oelhafen, and Emily Bruckschen. FC Elite 17 Navy won the Badger Region Qualifier and will be playing in the National Division at USAV.
Saige Christo – Nebraska Juniors – Class of 2020
Christo is not yet committed, but has to be on a short list for plenty of colleges for a libero for the future. Laterally very quick, solid platform, and a good knack for anticipating the next contact, Christo is passing to Megan Laser who will be heading to Creighton and can distribute to a variety of hitters. Christo was most recently named to the JVA Midwest Challenge All Tournament Team.
Jada Cerniglia – Milwaukee Sting 16-1 Madison – Class of 2021
Cerniglia was wearing the ‘bro jersey for Sting United out of Madison at the JVA Midwest Challenge in Des Moines a couple weeks ago. Cerniglia is scrappy and gets to the ball quickly allowing their offense to have multiple options. The top Sting United will be there at the Gauntlet out of Madison and Burlington.
Yang in the black libero jersey.Jackie Yang – Minnesota Volleyball Academy 16 Elite – Class of 2022
Yang is playing up on the 16 Elite team for MVA who will be a highly competitive team in the 16s Division. Yang’s serve receive is on point, getting the ball to the setter with plenty of “Three Point Passes” giving MVA a chance to go to their middles which opens up the outside for Madison Gully. Yang is still early in the process being a Class of 2022 prospect, but with her continued development defensively would be a really solid player at the next level.
Payton Lombardi – CIS 17 – Class of 2021
Lombardi plays up an age level with the 17s when she is from the Class of 2021. One of the top liberos in the state of Iowa for the Class of 2021, Lombardi comes from an athletic family with her older brother winning a state wrestling title, while also committing to play football at Army. Her younger sister playing up on the CIS 15M team as a 2023 libero prospect. She will lead one of the top high schools this fall in West Des Moines Valley in Class 5A.
*Quick Update – Olivia Curry of CIS 17M committed to Omaha the day after we published our “Setters To Watch” at the Prep Dig Gauntlet.