Liberos that could steal the show at Beast of the East
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The amount of great offensive talent at Beast of the East on Saturday will be overwhelming. However, that also means that defensive players will have a chance to shine and really steal the show. There are plenty of top defenders…
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Continue ReadingThe amount of great offensive talent at Beast of the East on Saturday will be overwhelming.
However, that also means that defensive players will have a chance to shine and really steal the show.
There are plenty of top defenders that can dig out a ball against the best hitters and they will be on display Saturday.
Here’s the liberos and defenders that are likely to catch your eye.
Josie Bloom Josie Bloom 5'6" | DS/L Notre Dame Prep | 2022 State #150 Nation MI , Notre Dame Prep: The lone defender to earn a Miss Volleyball finalist slot, Bloom is heading to Virginia Tech next fall. This season, Bloom has 483 digs with 96 aces. She’s set the bar high for the position with her athletic and fearless play.
Kalliann Cook Kalliann Cook 5'5" | DS/L Birch Run | 2023 State MI , Birch Run: Cook has been one of the best at the position in the state for years. Saturday will be a great showcase for her, as she will be able to keep Birch Run competitive. Cook is very fundamentally sound and very poised.
Alina Anderson Alina Anderson 5'5" | DS/L Rockford | 2022 State MI , Rockford: Anderson is a multi-sport, athletic libero in the back row that gets to a lot of tough swings. This year, she has 354 digs to go along with 26 aces. Anderson keeps the deep Rockford offense in-system.
Ava Kuehnlein, SMCC: The Kestrels have a very young team this year, but still play at a high level. That is due in large part to Kuehnlein, a senior libero in the back row helping keep everyone on the same page and keeping the Kestrels in-system.
Carley Piercefield Carley Piercefield 5'4" | DS/L Lakewood | 2024 State #90 Nation MI , Lakewood: Piercefield has stepped up since she was a freshman and has taken a big step forward as a sophomore. She’s playing with a lot more confidence and command on the floor this season.
Grace Spoelma Grace Spoelma 5'8" | S Grand Rapids Christian | 2024 State MI , Grand Rapids Christian: Spoelma is a sophomore talent that keeps the GRC offense running like a machine. She has 261 digs over 55 sets, while also adding 31 aces from the service line.
Lauren Heming Lauren Heming 5'6" | DS/L Marian | 2023 State MI , Marian: Heming was a big key for Marian’s championship run a year ago. This year, she is showing growth by learning from her mistakes. Heming has 197 digs with 30 aces on the season.
Kennedy Hudson, Lakeland: Lakeland is the little engine that could as a team, and Hudson fits that profile well at libero. She’s gritty and determined and is the glue that makes Lakeland the Lakes Valley Conference champions they are. She will be up to the challenge of facing the elite hitters this weekend.
Natalie Bourdo Natalie Bourdo 5'3" | DS/L Traverse City Central | 2024 State MI , Traverse City Central: Bourdo is a sophomore libero that is making a big impact for TC Central. She slides well across the court to get into proper position. Bourdo also doesn’t get rattled easily. She can shake off a mistake quickly.
Layna Waselewsky Layna Waselewsky 5'5" | DS/L Forest Hills Eastern | 2025 State MI , Lowell: A freshman, Waselewsky has taken on a big role for Lowell, facing many of the top hitters in the state as Lowell’s libero. She has 291 digs with 33 aces this season. The ceiling is high for her future.
Isabel Biermann, Utica Eisenhower: Biermann has had a busy season while Eisenhower has found new go-to hitters. She’s a very active player and puts her body on the line each point. This season, Biermann has 377 digs with 31 aces and 11 kills.
Grace Siepierski, Bloomfield Hills: A senior, Siepierski has been a steady leader for Bloomfield Hills as it competes in a tough conference. She’s taken on a lot of great hitters and has 354 digs with 35 aces in 2021.