State semifinalists leaning on first-rate liberos

For years, the mark of a Super Bowl winner was a top-flight quarterback. Think John Elway, Joe Montana, Troy Aikman.

Stanley Cup victor -- a dominant goalie. Think Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur, Dominik Hasek.

World Series champion -- a staff ace. Think Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling, Roger Clemens.

The preeminent characteristic of the soon-to-be-determined Class 4A girls volleyball champion -- a well-rounded libero. Think Kelly Garis, Julie Amundson, Amanda Valvo, Jourdan Pulleyn.

On Saturday, one of the four will raise the state tournament trophy, as semifinal action begins today with Silverado vs. Centennial at 3:40 p.m. at Silverado. Durango plays Reno in the other semifinal at 5:20.

"I certainly think that liberos on each of these teams make a significant contribution to the defense," Silverado coach Jennifer Boeddecker said. "One thing that is pretty obvious is that all of us are very well-rounded teams. It's pretty indicative of the programs that are now in the state championships."

Each of the three Las Vegas teams that advanced to the state tournament relied heavily on their libero during the regional finals.

There was Centennial's Valvo, falling to her knees and getting under one of Durango middle blocker Hayley Spelman's swings. There was Durango's Amundson, nailing that perfect pass to set up the attack. There was Silverado's Garis, instinctively bouncing to her left and throwing an arm up, just hoping to keep the ball in play.

The importance of the libero was noted two years ago, when the NIAA decided to allow the position. The role was introduced internationally in 1998 and picked up by the NCAA four years later. Designed to be assigned to the team's best defender, the role has morphed to include offensive responsibilities. A good libero doesn't just dig kill attempts -- those digs must be in just the right spot for the offense to fall into place.

"You had defensive specialists, but you didn't really have a passing ladder," Garis said. "But liberos are becoming so much more important, and it's showing. I think coaches are seeing how important they are. If I do my job, we do well -- we get a good set, we get a good hit.

"The libero really needs to have the mind-set of getting every defensive play, getting every ball up and in the right spot."

Added Reno coach Frederico Santos: "The libero is a player who can read the offense well. She needs to anticipate the offensive attack. And the offense today is not the offense of yesterday. They're getting stronger every year. High school volleyball is changing, and really fast."

In other semifinal matches, the day opens with Class 2A action as Whittell takes on Lincoln County at 9 a.m. and Needles plays North Tahoe at 10:40 a.m. Class 1A matches follow, with Owyhee vs. Lake Mead at 12:20 and Pahranagat Valley vs. Coleville at 2 p.m.

Matches conclude with Class 3A semifinals, Truckee vs. Moapa Valley at 7 p.m. and Pahrump Valley vs. Yerington at 8:40 p.m.