We start off our JVA SummerFest Show Stoppers with the liberos who caught our attention the most. Players make the list based on our own observations during the times we saw them in action. Check them out below.
17 Open
Laney Klika, L, AVC Cle Rox 17 Red – AVC Cle had a good run reaching the semis and part of it was due to the performance of Klika. A three-star recruit committed to Wofford, she helped steady out the defense and was making some nice digs against some big-time attackers she faced.
Sarah Vellucci, Legacy 17-1 Adidas – A four-star recruit committed to Long Beach State, Vellucci is not targeted in serve receive often. She has good range and the ability to stand in and take on some big attacks to keep plays alive.
Kalliann Cook, Mich Elite 17 Mizuno – Cook – a three-star recruit – is a gamer and hustler. At times it seems like she’s everywhere making plays as she’s a strong defender.
Jonna Spohn, Mintonette Sports m.71 – Mintonette can struggle out of serve receive at times, but Spohn is typically consistent when she’s served at. A three-star recruit committed to Ole Miss, she moves well and isn’t afraid to lay out to make a dig.
16 Open
Mailinh Godschall, Metro 16 Travel – Godschall is speedy and gets places quickly. She was proving reliable in serve receive and taking charge in the back row.
Elizabeth Tabeling, NKYVC 16-1 Tsunami – NKYVC’s ball control is usually steady. Tabeling – a three-star recruit – is a big part of that. She defends and passes well and has the ability to make some big-time digs.
Kelsey Niesen, Tri-State Elite 16 Blue – Niesen was holding it down defensively, coming up with saves all over to extend rallies.
Eily Painter, EC Power 16 Empire – Painter was showing off her coverage skills, picking up balls at the net to keep the play going. She was also on point out of serve receive with first-ball contact.
Coley Shiflet, Triangle 16 Black – Shiflet was making the plays in front of her. She was calm and steady and helping anchor the defensive charge.
Brenna Ginder, Team Pineapple 16 Black – Ginder is a hard working, scrappy libero. She was making some nice saves on cross-court shots and preventing kills.
Jessica Gutridge, Mintonette Sports m.61 – Gutridge was very active. She plays with a good energy. She’s also talkative and was passing well.
15 Open
Sakura Codling, L, Tri-State Elite 15 Blue – Codling – who is a three-star recruit – was sharp. She provides a steadying presence in the back row and at times was passing almost 50 percent of the court in serve receive.
Julia Grace, NKYVC 15-1 Tsunami – A three-star recruit, Grace is money in the back row. Her passes are sharp, crips and accurate.
Cassidy Trahan, Pgh Elite 15 Elite – Trahan was taking care of the back court and defending with grit.
14 Open
Meredith Martin, L, Legacy 14-1 Adidas – Martin was controlling the back row like no else. She was passing lights out in serve receive and was passing nearly half the court.
Cala Haffner, L/OH/S, Team Pineapple 14 Black – The first time we watched Haffner she was lineup at outside. The next set she was part of a 6-2, setting and hitting on the left. The next match she was wearing the libero jersey. That’s some amazing versatility and she was doing all three things at an above-average level. Day 2 she settled in at libero.
Emma Cugino, Mintonette Sports m.41 – Mintonette had a strong run to the semifinals. Mintonette is a scrappy team overall, with Cugino playing that part in the libero jersey. She was showing consistent passing and helping keep the team in system.
Arielle Hepler, Boiler Jrs 14 Gold – A nice anchor in the backcourt, Hepler doesn’t rattle easy and is all over the court. She made some strong plays and has good, consistent energy.
Emily Keiran, Adidas KiVA 14 Red – Quick and accurate, Keiran is a strong libero. She also was displaying a tough serve and scoring points with it.
Cara Wolf, Far Out 14 Black – Wolf was active, scurrying all around the court and playing with high energy.
Eleanor James, K2 14 Adidas – James flies around the court. She was covering a bunch of space and extending rallies.
Emma Frietch, NKYVC 14-1 Tsunami – Frietch has good court sense and seemed to be in the right spots at the right times. She was fairly consistent out of serve receive as well.
Ella Grimes, Elevation 14 Molly – Grimes plays with a certain determination and confidence. She was making some nice plays and wasn’t off very many times passing out of serve receive.
13 Open
Kaniyah Ball, L, Metro 13 Travel – Ball was one of the standout liberos. She was steady in helping anchoring the defense and keeping rallies alive.
Francesca Hansel, L, Tri-State Elite 13 Blue – Hansel was able to get her platform on a ton of balls. She was the clear defensive leader and showed plenty of scrappiness.
12 Open
Kenadi Sieg, L, NKYVC 12-1 Tsunami – One way to describe Sieg’s play was smooth. She was very consistent running the back court.
Abigail Cisler, L, Mintonettte m.21 – A stalwart in the backcourt, Cisler is the defensive leader. She was getting her hands on a lot of balls and helping keep rallies alive.
