Monserez, Hentz the Backbone of Atlanta Vibe’s Success
In volleyball, it’s often the powerful kills or awe-inspiring plays that steal the spotlight. But what truly anchors a team is the control, precision, and grit needed to stay in the game, even when the spotlight isn’t on you.
For the Atlanta Vibe, setter Marlie Monserez and libero Morgan Hentz are the unsung heroes who do the dirty work and keep everything running smoothly — quietly executing their roles to perfection.
The two may not always be the first names on the score sheet, but their impact is felt in every aspect of the game. Hentz, the three-time Athletes Unlimited Pro Volleyball Defensive Player of the Year, is a defensive force, while Monserez is the offense’s quarterback, orchestrating plays with poise and precision. As the Vibe continue their rise in the standings, now sitting in third place, the teamwork and leadership between these two players have been instrumental.
In Week 10 of the Pro Volleyball Federation, Atlanta went undefeated with notable wins over the Grand Rapids Rise and a five-set reverse sweep against the San Diego Mojo. Their success wouldn’t have been possible without the stellar performances from Monserez and Hentz.
Marlie Monserez’s Week 10 Stats:
- Game 1: 44 assists, 14 digs, 3 kills, .300% hitting efficiency
- Game 2: 54 assists, 21 digs, 5 kills, .417% hitting efficiency, 1 ace
Morgan Hentz’s Week 10 Stats:
- Game 1: 28 digs (her highest total in a four-set match this season), 4 assists, 55% positive reception rate
- Game 2: 18 digs, 4 assists, 35% positive reception rate
What makes Monserez and Hentz so effective is their symbiotic relationship on the court. For Monserez to set the perfect ball, she needs Hentz to deliver accurate passes, giving her the freedom to create diverse attacking options. Meanwhile, for Hentz to excel in her defensive role, she relies on Monserez to disrupt the opposing team’s offense, forcing them out of system.
Their on-court chemistry is unmatched, and their understanding of each other’s roles is what makes them such a powerful duo. This dynamic creates an elite feedback loop, where both players feed off each other’s strengths to keep the Vibe at the top of their game.
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Looking ahead, Atlanta Vibe stays at home for their next match on Friday, March 21st against the Orlando Valkyrie. The game will be broadcast live at 7 p.m. ET on the Roku Channel. Nine AU Pro Volleyball athletes are featured in the match-up.
ATLANTA VIBE:
- Morgan Hentz
- Jenna Rosenthal
- Marlie Monserez
- Nomaris Vélez Agosto
- Karis Watson
ORLANDO VALKYRIES:
- Kaz Brown
- Brittany Abercrombie
- M’Kaela White
- Lindsey Vander Weide
Alex Jean Glover is a former collegiate volleyball player and multi-sport reporter, serving as a correspondent for Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram @alexjeannnn.
