It was a thrilling opening day of volleyball action across Nebraska, and it was largely led by experienced senior stars. Should we be surprised?
Volleyball fans understand that teams often start a little rusty in the first match of the season. However, the individual performances I saw from these seniors on Thursday showed one thing: experience creates consistency.
Let’s meet the veteran leaders who stepped up on day one as the 2020 season got underway!
Jill WebberJillWebber5'5" | DSMillard West | 2021StateNE - 5’6 L - Millard West
The Wildcats’ serve receive was undoubtedly centered around Webber on Thursday. It’s clear why this was the case, too, as this skilled libero handled tough passes like a pro. It was impossible to miss the way she took the reins of the defense, especially when stepping in front of her hitters to make the first contact. Millard West’s offensive success had a lot to do with Webber’s work in the back row, and that’s what truly defines a great libero.
Bridget Smith - 5’8 S - Millard West
The precise ball control of Millard West doesn’t stop with Webber. Indeed, senior setter Bridget Smith led the Wildcats offense with the kind of
It was a thrilling opening day of volleyball action across Nebraska, and it was largely led by experienced senior stars. Should we be surprised?
Volleyball fans understand that teams often start a little rusty in the first match of the season. However, the individual performances I saw from these seniors on Thursday showed one thing: experience creates consistency.
Let’s meet the veteran leaders who stepped up on day one as the 2020 season got underway!
Jill WebberJillWebber5'5" | DSMillard West | 2021StateNE - 5’6 L - Millard West
The Wildcats’ serve receive was undoubtedly centered around Webber on Thursday. It’s clear why this was the case, too, as this skilled libero handled tough passes like a pro. It was impossible to miss the way she took the reins of the defense, especially when stepping in front of her hitters to make the first contact. Millard West’s offensive success had a lot to do with Webber’s work in the back row, and that’s what truly defines a great libero.
Bridget Smith - 5’8 S - Millard West
The precise ball control of Millard West doesn’t stop with Webber. Indeed, senior setter Bridget Smith led the Wildcats offense with the kind of finesse that coaches covet. She was just so smooth. Always deceptive in her movements and placement, Smith has the hands to make all her hitters better. With a great corps of hitters already around this savvy setter, Millard West looks to be a dangerous team this fall.
Kelsie Sears - 6’0 OH - Wahoo
Much of the credit for Wahoo’s strong attack will often go to
Mya Larson
MyaLarson5'11" | OHWahoo | 2022StateNE and Elle Glock, but I saw Sears make huge strides at the outside hitter spot in the Warriors’ opening matches against Aurora and Norris. This heavy-hitting pin has the length and reach to compete with some of the best hitters in her class. She also stood out for her ability to do a variety of things; she wasn’t afraid to lay out on defense and put up a tough serve behind the line. The contributions that Sears can make on this Warriors team will be crucial in Wahoo’s pursuit of a state title.
Abi Wohlgemuth - 5’11 MB - Lincoln Lutheran
I cited Wohlgemuth as a player to watch in Wednesday’s opening day preview. Well, she delivered. Lincoln Lutheran made great use of their big block in their five-set showdown against Waverly, and Wohlgemuth was usually right in the middle of it all. While also putting up big numbers on offense, this imposing middle showed the kind of leadership that will have Warriors vying for a repeat of last year’s title-winning triumph.
Bailey JeffersBaileyJeffers6'0" | OHWaverly | 2021StateNE - 6’0 OH - Waverly
Jeffers
It’s hard to look past
Whitney LauensteinWhitneyLauenstein6'1" | OHWaverly | 2021StateNE’s colossal 26-kill performance in the Vikings’ win over Lincoln Lutheran, but I think Jeffers was equally important to the success of her team’s high-powered offense. She has a knack for putting away the tough balls. Her ability to elevate and turn her body through her swing creates deadly power that’s hard to control. I’m excited to watch Jeffers get a chance to flourish on a team that’s sure to be one of the state’s frontrunners. It’s the perfect setup to raise the stock of this athletic pin hitter.
Maddy WellsMaddyWells5'8" | SWaverly | 2021NE - 5’8 S - Waverly
Though we saw a lot of
Hannah AllickHannahAllick5'6" | SWaverly | 2022StateNE at the setting position in preseason action for the Vikings, it was Wells who took control of the offense on Thursday. The transition was seamless. Like the seasoned veteran she is, Wells dished out quick and precise sets that kept opposing middles guessing. Such fluid operation of an offense is rare on the first day of the season, but she made it look too easy. Whoever runs the show moving forward, Waverly will always be a formidable opponent.
