17 Lehigh setter Taylor Krause

18 Orange's Mackenzie Kleespies

June 5, 2012 — Congratulations to Synergy players Mackenzie Kleespies of 18 Orange and Taylor Krause of 17 Lehigh, who were recently recognized by Prep Volleyball for outstanding defense.

The two-part Prep “Defensive Dandies” list focuses on the best back row and all-around defensive players in the country. Last week, 18 Orange’s Rebecca Bates and 16 Orange’s Emma Aldaya were named among the top high school liberos. This week’s list focuses on “Dandy Lions,” those six-rotation players who stand out for their defensive plays. The list includes five “teams” as well as honorable mention nods.

Kleespies of West Grove, Pa. was named to Prep’s first team list for her outstanding play for the Avon Grove Red Devils this past fall.

“A Four Time All-State honoree, Kleespies led the Red Devils with 738 kills and 564 digs in 110 games in 2011,” wrote Prep. “A hitter with a big swing, Kleespies will compete for time on the outside at James Madison, where she has signed, but is more likely to start at libero as a freshman. She is a vocal leader and a determined defender with a mature skill set.”

Krause, who plays for Parkland High School in Allentown, Pa. was named to Prep’s 4th team and her photo leads the Prep Volleyball article.

“With Krause running the show at setter, Parkland was the best team in the state in 2011,” wrote Prep. “A coach’s kid, the heady assist maker hasn’t ever lost a five-set match in her three-year career. A First Team All-State pick as well as an All-State Tournament selection, Krause led the Keystone state in assists and was one of the top 10 assist makers nationally. She has committed to Penn State as a DS.”

Congratulations to Mackenzie, Taylor, Emma and Rebecca for their standout defensive performances.