Hot takes after watching all the spring matches:
I can see Averi being the starting setter in the fall, which I didn't think initially. Her setting tempo and location just puts all the hitters in a better position to attack—that was clearly evident from the end-line view of the court in the IG feed against UTSA.
Ella provides the better block and setter attack option, but her location was inconsistent...maybe because she's gone back to jump-setting? If so, she should set flat-footed b/c she locates the ball so much better.
Madi and Jenna will start at OH. Madi needs to continue to work on her serve-receive and ball control (especially if she wants to succeed at the next level), but her attack window allows her to crush any ball. Jenna's offense was better with Averi's sets, and her all-around game looks good. She may be playing all 6 rotations unless one of the DS's (Reese or Brennan) learn to play middle-back effectively.
OH Depth chart after Madi and Jenna is: Helmers > Miller >>> Byrd.
It was nice to finally see Helmers on the court after not playing for 1.5 years (concussion, opted out of playing her Sr high school season, and then shoulder surgery).
I know she has been injured for a while, but Byrd's offense is a fraction of what she showed last spring. It looks like she has focused so much on trying to develop her ball control that she has forgotten how to attack. IMO, she should be training at Opp, especially considering the OHs coming in for 2025.
I was worried about the MB position, but Singletary and Ames played really well this spring. Both are offensive weapons...just need to continue to get better at reading the setter (especially Mari) which will come with time and playing experience. Nya's knee surgery was last summer - hopefully she's not having any serious lingering effects from it and its all precautionary. It may be imperative to cross-train Byrd at MB if so.
For Opp, I think either Devin or Reagan could start. Just like Jenna, both looked so much better hitting off of Averi. Reagan is better offensively, but Devin brings in a solid blocking presence. I just don't see Tomkinson logging any meaningful minutes. She and Miller would probably start at a mid-level program.
Lauenstein could be the dark horse for either pin position in the fall. We just don't know the extent of her injury.
Halter and Akana have their positions locked up; just need Akana to get healthy.
Next up, European trip. Hopefully we get some good videos posted from their matches. They use a different ball over there, so passing/ball control is going to be an adventure for them but will make them better.