Class 1A: The Amazing Defenders
Facing a talented defender across the net can be annoying to volleyball players. Having to hit the ball several times to finally score a point can not only be physically and mentally exhausting, but it also increases the chance of…
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Continue ReadingFacing a talented defender across the net can be annoying to volleyball players. Having to hit the ball several times to finally score a point can not only be physically and mentally exhausting, but it also increases the chance of a mistake. It’s true that teams need offensive power to win championships, but defense is also a big factor and these teams should be in a good position in that regard when the 2020 season starts for the Class 1A in Washington.
Morgyn Harrison – Libero – Junior – Chelan
Chelan’s 2019 championship-winning squad was an offensively impressive team, but it wouldn’t be nearly as effective without the reassuring presence of Morgyn Harrison in the back of the court. The sophomore libero was particularly important for the Lady Goats in the state championship match against King’s, where she registered 27 digs and cemented her All-State first-team status.
Genevieve Wilkinson – Defensive Specialist /Libero – Junior – Sultan
Sultan dug 1,830 balls in the 2019 season and nearly a third of them came from the same player, sophomore defensive specialist Genevieve Wilkinson, who denied the Turks opponents a point 566 times. Wilkinson, who averaged impressive 7.2 digs per set during the season, showed her value to the team right off the bat as she registered a total of 95 digs between Sultan’s first two matches in the season, against Bush and Mount Baker.
Emily Evanson – Libero – Senior – King’s
King’s marched all the way to the state championship match last season but had their dreams cut short by Chelan in a five-set battle. Junior libero Emily Evanson was a key piece in the success of the Knights as she led the team’s backcourt with high energy and efficiency. The libero showed great positioning and a rare ability to control hits with one-handed digs. Her performance propelled her to the All-State second team.
Eleanor Carruth – Libero – Senior – Bear Creek
Libero Eleanor Carruth was a bright spot in a Bear Creek team that lost more matches than it won in 2019. The junior defender played her role with the Grizzlies magnificently, commanding the team’s backcourt with 280 digs (5.4 per set), twice as many as the team’s second-best defender. The libero has shown improvement in every year of her high school career and maybe another leap from her is all Bear Creek needs to have a more prolific 2020.
Kayla Nelson – Libero/Outside Hitter/Setter – Senior – Cedar Park Christian
Kayla Nelson was a Swiss knife of sorts for Cedar Park Christian last year playing a lot of different roles for the team. Deployed as a libero, an outside hitter or a setter, the junior was particularly efficient in the defensive side of the game, notching 248 digs (3.4 per set) over the season. Her performance certainly didn’t go unnoticed as the 5’6” Nelson earned an honorable mention to the All-State team even if the Eagles didn’t qualify to the State Championship.