Fearless with a 'never quit attitude.' Meet Section V boys volleyball's top liberos

What do boys volleyball teams look for in a libero?

First things first, if you ask Irondequoit coach Alex Wezelis, a libero needs the ability to pass. These defenders need a good first touch to get the ball to their setter and keep the team within its system. Additionally, teams need someone willing to keep the ball off the floor at all costs.

"There has to be certain level of will and determination, and an 'I'll never quit' attitude to play libero," Wezelis said. "These guys are hitting the ball 60 miles per hour directly at you, and you have less than 15 feet to react. Sometimes you dig it well, sometimes it goes off the shoulder, sometimes it goes off the face. But you have to be fearless in that moment."

Haight stands out at Irondequoit

Irondequoit Zach Haight fits the bill at libero.

The senior is a selfless player who sacrificed the "gaudy" parts of volleyball like kills and blocks for the betterment of the team. Haight's helped the Eagles begin the season 4-0 and were 5-3 through eight games.

Haight battled for the backup libero spot as a sophomore. He improved his junior year and almost won the starting job. Entering his senior season, Haight worked even harder to safely secure the starting libero slot. Haight said he wanted to get "more comfortable on the court" and learn certain plays in preparation for a larger role.

"He knew it was his time. Now he's showing everyone what he can do," Wezelis said. "If he plays disciplined and reads his blockers they're going to reward him. That gives them confidence."

A huge part of Haight's maturation has been trusting his blocks. If Gael Cronin, Alex Stoffelsma and Aaron Ensign aren't stopping shots in the front row, Haight reacts to the ball being funneled to him so he doesn't have to chase digs.

"Zach's been doing really (well)," Irondequoit senior setter Liam Kilminster said. "It's a big role this year. He didn't play much last year but he's really stepping up this year adjusting to being a new starter playing against pretty good teams."

Fairport has a duo at libero

An injury has led to Fairport coach John O'Dell utilizing two liberos.

Junior libero Drew Sisson entered the season not expecting to play much. Then sophomore Adam Cornman got hurt. Sisson said he "got lucky". He praised Cornman as Fairport's top libero, and his other teammates — like juniors Luke Sullivan and Jacob McCue, who average over four blocks per match — for playing sound defense.

"We have the best blockers and best hitters, I think, around here," Sisson said. "Sometimes I don't even have to touch the ball because of how good they are."

Cornman is regarded by Section V coaches as one of the best liberos in the area. He was previously an outside hitter on junior varsity. Cornman noted the higher level of competition as the biggest difference. He's helped Fairport begin the season 10-0 after beating Irondequoit Thursday night. The Red Raiders have won seven matches in straight sets.

"I thought we were going to be pretty good this year. A lot of guys coming back (and) A lot of good people coming up," Cornman said. "This year (we have) big expectations but our team, I think, is ready to succeed."

O'Dell described Cornan and Sisson as "quick", "coordinated", and can get under hard driven shots with their low center of gravity. They pair well with players like Aidan White and Jackson Bones, who led the Red Raiders to the Section V finals in 2022. White, a senior right side, has been impressed by Cornman and Sisson stepping up.

"These underclassmen, they're studs. Both of these guys," senior Aidan White said. "Always having that protection in the back row, knowing that I got these guys helping me out, getting balls that we have to dig just so we can win, it's crucial."

Section V boys volleyball liberos

Adam Cornman, Fairport

Bodey Groff, Webster: First team All-County setter in 2022 playing a new role.

Justin Hogancamp, Rush-Henrietta

Luke LeClair, Gates Chili: All-County as a freshman.

Max Lent, Brighton

Edrian Rivera, Spencerport

Drew Sission, Fairport

Seth Smith, Churchville-Chili

Bailey Zambuto, Spencerport

Christian Zarzycki, Penfield

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Section V boys volleyball's top liberos: Fearless and never quit