Frosh and Soph Playmakers: Four Athletes in 2022 and 2023 Helping Keep State Tournament Hopes Alive
As the amount of state title contenders continues to dwindle with each day, it has been very exciting to see the youth of Minnesota high school volleyball coming up big as the stakes get higher and the stage receives a…
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Continue ReadingAs the amount of state title contenders continues to dwindle with each day, it has been very exciting to see the youth of Minnesota high school volleyball coming up big as the stakes get higher and the stage receives a brighter spotlight. Here are four athletes from the classes of 2022 and 2023 that are providing big contributions to the their respective team’s current run towards the state tournament.
Elle Cotton
Elle
Cotton
6'0" | S
Elk River | 2022
State
MN
– RS/S | 2022 | Elk River
Elk River upended the top seed in Section 7AAA, Andover, 3-1 on Tuesday night to secure their spot in the finals and get one step closer to the state tournament. Somewhat of a surprise given their overall record, Elk River has had moments this season that they have displayed full potential and what this collection of athletes can accomplish when all the moving parts are working together. Cotton is a big contributor for this squad as she is relied upon to score points with her arm as well as control and distribute half of the offense. In Tuesday’s win her skills were in full effect as she terminated 15 kills on a .306 attack percentage while adding 21 assists. As she was previously named to the AVCA Phenom Watch List, Cotton earned the triple-double for the match as she picked up 16 digs as well. As her stat line indicates, the 5’11 sophomore is athletic and versatile and has Elk River knocking on the door of the final weekend. The Elks next face Forest Lake, the #2 seed, on Saturday.
Leslie Snow
Leslie
Snow
5'9" | OH
BOLD | 2022
State
MN
– OH | 2022 | BOLD
Snow’s confidence and contributions have become more consistent and reliable for BOLD as the season as progressed. The Warriors earned a tight 3-2 win over Minnesota Valley Lutheran in Section 2A and will next take on top-ranked Mayer Lutheran in the semifinals. Snow nearly earned a double-double on the night as she terminated 12 kills and collected nine digs. She also added two service aces. At 5’8, Snow does not have the highest contact point above the net when attacking but although she may be limited in that area she makes up for it with her ability to take smart swings that are intentional at tooling the block or finding specific locations around the floor. She has good arm speed that increases her effectiveness on the pin as well as at the service line as she has displayed a great jump float that can put a lot of pressure on opponents.
Emily Moes
Emily
Moes
6'0" | OH
Lakeville South | 2023
MN
– OH | 2023 |
Lakeville South
Just a freshman, Moes has emerged as trusty attacker for South as they have learned to navigate a regular season with several highs and lows. A state tournament participant in 2018, South is playing some of there best volleyball right now, which includes a massive win on Tuesday over #2 ranked Northfield in five thrilling sets. Moes, an outside hitter, reached double digits in total kills with 10 while also adding four digs. She swings like a veteran with good slow-to-fast footwork and a nice arm that she can adjust in the air to move the ball around. As a six-rotation contributor she reads the floor well in the back row and shows good patience that allows her to cover space with good range.
Natalie Ernhart – S | 2022 | Watertown-Mayer
The #7 ranked Royals earned a 3-0 win over Breck to advance in the Section 5AA bracket where they will next face Mound Westonka in the semifinals on Thursday. Ernhart, just a sophomore, directed the offense to a .309 attack efficiency as she dished out 29 assists for the match. With over 700 assists on the season she guided her team to an undefeated conference record while performing among team leaders in total digs and service aces throughout the season. She is a feisty competitor and provides good floor leadership. With a collection of very good veteran attackers around her she makes good decisions to get them involved from a variety of locations pin-to-pin and from the back row.