Iowa Freshmen Breakout At State Tournament
There are varying degrees of the Freshman year as to contributing for a volleyball program. There are some who just want to be apart of the team and join in social functions that go with it. Others are hoping to…
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Continue ReadingThere are varying degrees of the Freshman year as to contributing for a volleyball program. There are some who just want to be apart of the team and join in social functions that go with it. Others are hoping to make JV and maybe even get a chance to sit on the bench for a varsity match. However, there are very few who are able to start, contribute, and make a significant impact for their team on the state’s biggest stage at the state tournament. Here are a few Freshmen who were major contributors for their team in big moments.
Olivia Lombardi – West Des Moines Valley
Putting on the libero jersey as a Freshman is no easy feat, especially for a state title contender in Class 5A. However, Lombardi is accustomed to big moments within a family of athletes. Her older sister, Payton on the team as well. Payton had been the libero for Valley and is now playing on the pin. Olivia had 16 digs in their first-round win against Dowling and will be one to keep tabs on throughout the club season.
HartmannCassidy Hartmann – Iowa City Liberty
To lead a Class 5A school in kills while also making the state tournament is almost unheard of for a Freshman. Hartmann did just that for Liberty who was making their first appearance as a school in the tournament. With nearly 250 kills on the year and a major presence at the net, Hartmann established herself as one of the top Freshmen in the state.
Chloe Cline – Pleasant Valley
With Cline and Hartmann on opposite sides of the net in the Class 5A quarterfinal, it was a glimpse into the future of Iowa high school volleyball. Cline was a key part of Pleasant Valley’s semifinal run with her long wingspan and ability to connect with Sophomore setter, Kora Ruff. With 10 kills in their quarterfinal win, it was no surprise that Cline is one of the top prospects when it comes to middles out of the Class of 2023.
Meyer
Ella Meyer – Western Dubuque
The carpool schedule for the Western Dubuque volleyball team must be brutal with a large core of their squad being comprised of Freshmen and Sophomores. Meyer was a huge part of the red hot Bobcat success throughout the postseason. With 16 digs in their quarterfinal win against Xavier followed up with 17 digs in their semifinal win against Marion, Meyer was a key part of the puzzle providing a consistent first contact for WD.
VanHook
Avery VanHook – Marion
VanHook can set, swing, and play with some swag. Her no fear, aggressive style is one that is fun to be around. There are few with the all-around ability of VanHook. On the season VanHook had nearly 150 kills, over 500 assists, and over 250 digs. A definite swiss army knife who can distribute and score points. Side note….she’s left-handed.
Ava Schubert – Davenport Assumption
The Player of the Year in the MAC. To be Player of the Year in any conference as a Freshman is almost unheard of, but Schubert brings a skill set that is tough to top. A 6’1 left-handed right side who can score in any rotation. In Assumption’s quarterfinal match against Union, Schubert had 20 kills and eight digs. For the season, Schubert averaged over three kills per set for over 300. Strong, athletic, and dynamic her ceiling is very high and will be fun to watch her progression over the club season.
Kalvyn Rosengarten – Wapsie Valley
Rosengarten gave a glimpse into what Class 1A will have to deal with the next three years after putting on not only an offensive performance that was so efficient, but defensively really taking control of the net. She is similar to a young Alayna Yates of Cedar Falls who is heading to Dayton. In the quarterfinals vs. Janesville, she hit .556 with 15 kills, zero errors, and 27 attempts. This was followed up by another .500 plus efficiency with 14 kills in the semifinals against Holy Trinity.