Friday Match to Watch: Fredericksburg vs Devine
High school volleyball is underway in the state of Texas. Since the first week of August, teams from across the Lone Star State have been back on the court, battling each other in some fantastic matches, which are bringing the…
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Continue ReadingHigh school volleyball is underway in the state of Texas. Since the first week of August, teams from across the Lone Star State have been back on the court, battling each other in some fantastic matches, which are bringing the best of the sport in the state.
A couple of times every week, we’ll use this space to recommend some matches to keep and eye on and, most importantly, some of the most interesting prospects you’ll want to watch if you have an opportunity.
If you’re around on Friday, September 17, please keep an eye on this match:
Fredericksburg vs Devine – 5pm
The Billies from the Fredericksburg High School just West of Austin will be looking to bounce back after they fell to Cornerstone Christian in straight sets earlier this week. With just two more matches before they start their campaign in the Class 4A, Region IV – District 28, the group of players led by coach Jason Roemer will try to improve their 19-11 win record.
The Warhorses from the Devine High School Southwest of San Antonio enter the match with more confidence after winning their last two matches, but have a similar record, with 17 wins and 11 losses. The team coached by Leigh Anne McIver is two matches away from starting league play in the Class 4A, Region IV – District 29.
Players to Watch – Fredericksburg
Zoe Aldrich – Outside Hitter – Club: Hill Country Next Level – 2023
A 5’10” outside hitter, Zoe Aldrich has been leading Fredericksburg’s offensive efforts so far, with a team-high 295 kills. She might not be the tallest or most physical hitter out there, but has a wrist not seen very often, which allows her to change directions quickly and send the ball anywhere on the court. That’s a skill she developed while playing beach volleyball, another sport she’s really good at. Aldrich also ranks fourth in passes (166) and fifth in aces (27).
Clara Pluenneke – Middle Blocker – Club: SA Magic – 2023
Clara Pluenneke is a 6’2” middle blocker who delivers exactly what you would expect from a player in her position. A physical, yet very mobile player, she ranks second in kills in the team with 250 thanks to a great connection with setter Sydney Schandua and leads the Billies in blocks with 75. Pluenneke can hit a variety of different sets in the middle of the net and has great reading of the game, a skills that maximizes her blocking game.
Players to Watch – Devine
Rylee Esquibel – Outside Hitter – Club: TNT SA – 2023
Rylee Esquibel is the kind of outside hitter every coach would love to have as she gets to impact virtually every aspect of the game. She leads the Warhorses offense with 261 kills but also ranks second in three other important skills – digs (276), passes (263) and aces (24). Her superior technical skills allow her to be used as a defensive specialist or even a setter if needed.
Macey Hein – Setter – 2022
A fantastic basketball player, Macey Hein also develops her sports skills playing as a setter for Devine’s volleyball team, where she calls the shots on the team’s offense. The 5’8” Hein is a complete athlete, being able to master every aspect of the game and fill the stat sheet top to bottom. This season has been no different as she already produced team-highs 691 assists (8.9 per set) , 29 aces and 19 blocks, besides ranking fourth in digs (200) an