Nebraska 2024 Defensive Specialists Thriving after NLQ
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It’s no mystery that I’ve had a lot to say regarding Nebraska’s breakout weekend at the Northern Lights Qualifier. In particular, I wanted to talk about one position group that really stood out: defensive specialists and liberos. We’re specifically targeting…
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Continue ReadingIt’s no mystery that I’ve had a lot to say regarding Nebraska’s breakout weekend at the Northern Lights Qualifier. In particular, I wanted to talk about one position group that really stood out: defensive specialists and liberos.
We’re specifically targeting the Class of 2024 for this one. NLQ featured so many of Nebraska’s best backcourt talent last weekend, and many of these players really stepped up their game in this high-stakes environment. Again, with a Prep Dig rankings refresh coming soon to the 2024 class, it’s a good time to relive some top performances from this group and get you primed for the impending update!
So, here are just a few of Nebraska’s backcourt players who thrived in the spotlight at NLQ.
Haylee Wolf Haylee Wolf 5'7" | DS/L Elkhorn North | 2024 State NE – 5’5 DS/L – Premier Nebraska 16 Black
Wolf’s desire to win is obvious. I love all the strong voices on this 16 Black roster, and Wolf is one of the biggest hype machines they’ve got. After her stout defensive plays and vocal leadership, it’s no wonder why her team found championship-winning success in Minneapolis.
Shandy Faalii Shandy Faalii 5'7" | OH Lincoln East | 2024 State NE – 5’6 DS/L – Premier Nebraska 16 Black
Faalii’s inclusion on this feature is in spite of the fact that she spent much of NLQ hitting on the left pin in addition to her defensive role in the backcourt. This Lincoln East product showed an uncanny ability to adapt to lineup shifts and had a pivotal role in every rotation.
Sarah Galligan Sarah Galligan 5'8" | DS/L Elkhorn South | 2024 State NE – 5’8 DS/L – Nebraska Elite 16 Lokahi
Just another big tournament for Galligan. As the year goes on, it’s becoming more clear just how much 16 Lokahi feeds off of good passes and positive touches. Galligan is an indispensable contributor in this area and will keep lifting this team to new heights after a very encouraging showing at NLQ.
Anna Borner Anna Borner 5'4" | DS/L DC West | 2024 State NE – 5’6 DS/L – Nebraska Elite 16 Lokahi
We often saw 16 Lokahi passing with two at NLQ, and Borner was usually half of that equation. She works so well in tandem with Galligan in serve receive and has specialized in middle-back defense when subbing in for one of the team’s outside hitters. Simply put, this team’s backcourt is always worth watching.
Quinn Groves Quinn Groves 5'5" | DS/L Papillion-La Vista South | 2024 State NE – 5’4 DS/L – Premier Nebraska 16 Silver
Groves has one of the most unique libero roles of any player on this feature. While many liberos are slotted into one of the back corners to play their floor defense, Groves is tasked with holding down middle-back in the libero jersey. Better yet, 16 Silver is not afraid to let this libero take an out-of-system swing out of the pipe. The picture says it all.
Faith Frame Faith Frame 5'6" | DS/L Papillion-La Vista | 2024 State #167 Nation NE – 5’7 DS/L – Premier Nebraska 16 Gold
Like many of the other athletes on this feature, Frame is a player that always seems to show up in the big moments. NLQ was certainly one of those moments, and this libero was a crucial component of 16 Gold’s remarkable run to a Nationals bid. Perhaps Frame’s best trait is her ability to react to heavy heat coming at her in the crosscourt. Sometimes getting hit by the ball is half the battle, and Frame isn’t letting much get past her.
Alivia Hausmann Alivia Hausmann 5'5" | DS/L Norris | 2024 State NE – 5’5 DS/L – Premier Nebraska 16 Gold
Hausmann is really finding her groove with 16 Gold, particularly in right-back defense. On the high school side, she’s part of a vaunted Norris backcourt that has produced no shortage of elite volleyball. 2022 is now bringing more of that high-level experience for Hausmann, and NLQ was another step in the right direction.