Six 16U Defensive Specialists to know
They say one is the loneliest number, but that same description could also be used to describe the position of Libero. Just like a Sherriff in the Wild West the role of a Defensive Specialist is incredibly singular. Not…
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They say one is the loneliest number, but that same description could also be used to describe the position of Libero.
Just like a Sherriff in the Wild West the role of a Defensive Specialist is incredibly singular. Not only do they have to keep things calm and relaxed regardless of what’s in front of them, but doing the work other can’t or won’t doesn’t always come with the praise and appreciation it should.
Pinned with a thankless task, their numbers, especially at the 16U level, are still somehow as healthy as they’ve ever been. In fact, among these sophomore standouts here in the state of Michigan include…
CARLINA BENDER
At five-foot-three Bender played quite a role in aiding Hudsonville High School end up ranked third in the state and 152nd nationally with a record of 52-4 overall, 11-1 league, in 2019-20. Because she’s often the first person to the ball, this five-foot-three sophomore often ends up being the point where rallies start for her team. The fact she has such a gentle touch and an innate passing ability, traits she turned into 403 digs in 148 sets played in prep competition, have proved just as valuable in club play with Far Out Volleyball Club’s 16U Black squad.
SARAH CALANCHI
In her one-year career at Novi High School Calanchi has posted 165 digs, 137 Serve Receptions, 24 Aces and two kills. That was over the course of 85 sets played, meaning the sky is the limit for this Defensive Specialist in the seasons to come. Having also put on the uniform with Legacy 16-2 ADIDAS for the club season, what she lacks in height at five-foot-zero she makes for with heart, something that helped the Wildcats finish ranked 21st in the state and 785th nationally with a record of 31-8-6 overall, 11-0, league.
AVA PETRUCCI
A junior at Bloomfield Hills High School, Petrucci plays for Michigan Elite 16 Mizuno during the club season. As a warm-up to that effort this five-foot-seven Libero had a showing that featured 310 kills, 230 digs and 36 triple-blocks in 121 sets played with the Black Hawks. That might just be why her prep squad was able to come in ranked 20th in the state and 764th nationally with a mark of 38-10-1 overall, 7-0 league.
ALINA ANDERSON
Thirty Seven Aces and a Serve Percentage of 84.8 percent are just two of the highlights Anderson enjoyed at Rockford High School in 2019-20. Considering she also had 436 Serve Receptions, 322 digs and 20 Kills in 134 Sets it’s clear this player truly embodies what being a Libero is all about. In club competition this member of the class of 2022 plays for the Far Out Volleyball Club’s 16 Black Team.
JACOBY FLYNN
Playing her club ball for Legacy 16-2 ADIDAS, Flynn is a five-foot-six sophomore at Adams High School in Rochester. That’s where she put on a show that included 655 assists, 201 digs and 31 kills over the course of 89 sets played this past season. Along the way this member of the class of 2022 helped the Highlanders end this past season with a record of 28-17 overall, 3-4 league, to earn themselves a ranking of 66th in Michigan and 2,179th in the nation.
JESSICA MONDRAGON
This athlete is fresh off of a high school campaign for Northville that concluded with a record of 25-11 overall, 6-2 league, and a ranking of 24th in Michigan and 987th in the nation. A member of the class of 2022, she was a real reason the Mustang’s efforts came together the way they did. Currently she plays for Michigan Elite 16 Mizuno.
Other junior Defensive Specialists worthy of note include Zoe Cook of Arsenal 16U Elite and Kendyl Andrews Kendyl Andrews 5'8" | S Flushing | 2022 State MI , who plays for Michigan Elite 16U Mizuno.