Westlake Libero commit article at top of AAS sports page today: Defensive specialist Reese Emerick is everywhere for the Westlake volleyball team. And while she’s noticeable on the court for her bright red libero jersey, what makes her really stand out is her high-level athleticism, ability to seemingly be involved in every point and an uncanny ability to pull up opponents’ vicious attacks. Emerick, who recently committed to play volleyball at Texas, showed Tuesday night in Westlake’s home match against San Antonio Cornerstone Christian that she can do everything you’d design an elite back-row player to do: pass precisely, set when needed, serve efficiently, communicate with teammates and — most importantly — frustrate a defense with impossible digs. “On the court, she commands the back row,” said Westlake coach Miguel Saenz, who is in his first year leading the Chaps after successful tenures at Bowie and Regents. “She already makes reads that I taught her last week that usually take a month to get implemented. But the best thing I love about her is that she’s confident — and when you’re in serve-receive you have to be confident. She’s assertive and is a bit of a general on the court, and that’s really good to have my first season here.” Just a junior, Emerick wasn’t allowed to be recruited by colleges until June, See VOLLEYBALL, Page 3C VOLLEYBALL from page C1 to page C3 Volleyball Continued from Page 1C but she had already built an impressive resume that undoubtedly caught Texas’ attention. In addition to what she’s done at Westlake the past two years, she was recruited to train with the U.S. Olympic program at different cities in the spring and summer and will continue to do so in the winter. Already a frequent attender of Longhorn volleyball games, Emerick said she was open to playing at any college in the country, but that staying local was the right move. “Since recruiting opened two months ago, I realized I loved (Texas) from the start and feel like I found my home,” she said. “I go to games all the time and already live here — so what’s not to love about it.” Running all over the court on the way to 19 digs in just three games as the Chaps were swept 25-22, 25-11, 25-21 by Cornerstone — which has seven girls pledged to Division I schools, is not associated with TAPPS, travels all over the country for tournaments and is ranked in the top 10 nationally — Emerick also caught the attention of Warriors coach Mike Carter. “She controlled 20 feet of sideline,” he said. “She read the ball well, knew where to position herself and was phenomenal the entire match.” Emerick has already proved that she’s a serious volleyball player from a talent, intelligence and effort standpoint, but one thing she said she’s focused on this fall is simply enjoying the game with her Westlake teammates. “I view myself as the defensive quarterback and like to be a leader and support and encourage everyone,” she said. “I’m all about having fun on the court, and whatever that means for us — we should do it.” Westlake (7-4) fared well in the first and third games, especially as Saenz and what is a senior-heavy team not only have to adjust to each other, but have to deal with an injury to starting outside hitter Caroline Pence. Lily Davis, Evie Naumann and Sophia Luo combined for 19 kills, while setters Isa Breeden and Cameron Shelly teamed up for 22 assists. The Chaps are thought of as contenders for the District 26-6A title along with Dripping Springs and Lake Travis, and Saenz noted playing teams like Cornerstone only helps Westlake improve. “We’re still figuring out rotations, and I want as tough a schedule as possible going into district play,” he said. “We’ve got a loaded district and our playoff path is really difficult, so even though it stinks to lose, we learn a lot about our weaknesses when we play good teams like this.” With Emerick being arguably the top defensive specialist in Central Texas and the Chaps in general being a pretty experienced team, Westlake seems in as good a spot as any when district play starts in less than a week. “This is a super fun team and we all have good friendships with each other,” she said. “We have a lot of seniors, and I just love how we’re all super close.”