By By BRIAN HAINES, Brian@wdnweb.com, Sports Writer
It was another exciting year in volleyball as area fans got to watch the newly-formed Riverside High School make it all the way to the East Regional Round of the NCHSAA 1-A playoffs.
Riverside, which was comprised when Jamesville merged with Williamston, racked up a 23-3 record and was led by WDN Coach of the Year Herbie Rogers and WDN Player of the Year Meredith Robertson.
Also playing in its first year as newly-created school was South Creek, which was formed when Roanoke and Bear Grass High School’s merged. In the Cougar’s inaugural season the school went 12-10 in the tough Four Rivers Conference.
All across the area several players put forth outstanding efforts on a nightly basis, and this year’s Washington Daily News All-Area Team highlights a few players that had phenomenal seasons:
Peri Ange, Riverside
Equipped with great instincts and vision, Riverside’s Peri Ange is one of the premier setter’s in the area and was a big factor during the Knight’s 23-3 season. Ange, who tallied 157 service points, was the quarterback of Riverside’s attack and did an outstanding job distributing the ball to the talented Knights’ hitters.
Kaitlyn Sitterson,
South Creek
With a 12-10 record, the Cougars were able to finish the season two games over .500 in their first-ever season and Kaitlyn Sitterson was a big reason why. The South Creek net player posted a mind-blowing 200 kills this year to go along with her 27 blocks and 12 digs.
Jordan Woolard, Northside
The young Panthers had an up and down season this year, but the play of sophomore middle hitter Jordan Woolard should have Northside excited about the future. Tall and athletic, Woolard created havoc for opposing net players on both offense and defense.
Rachel Baker, Riverside
One the more pleasant surprises this season, Riverside’s Rachel Baker seemingly came out of now where to have a great year. Baker led the Knights with 190 service points, while her 55 blocks and 135 kills were both the second best totals on the team.
Haley Hiatt, Washington
Like Northside’s Woolard, Washington’s Haley Hiatt featured a great blend of size and athleticism and was the only Pam Pack player to be named to the all-Coastal Conference team. Hiatt was a good leader and displayed heart and hustle night after night despite playing on a struggling team.
Renikia Hodges, Southside
The Seahawks had a scrappy, resilient team this season and leading the charge was Renikia Hodges. Hodges dished out powerful spikes on offense, and on did a nice job on defense of consistently challenging shots for Southside.
SECOND TEAM
Rachel Hollowell, Northside
Madison Brandon, Riverside
Alexis Ange, Riverside
Jaquandra Council, South Creek
Atyana Starkie, Southside
Robin Lilley, Washington
HONORABLE MENTION
Mattamuskeet
Heather Gill
Erica Johnson
Quantiaja Gibbs
Northside
Lilyann Arnold
Sara Credle
Jordan Cook
Caroline Slade
Danielle Oliver
Plymouth
Brook Gurganus
South Creek
Taylor Johnson
Victoria Van Northwick
Kimberly Mobley
Southside
Macy Paramore
Sondra Sparks
Marlin Edwards
Valerie Ruffin
Riverside
Jesse Ann Rogers
Karley Stevens
Paxton Copeland
Rhonda Manning
Emily Griffin
Caroline Tetterton
Washington
Lalie Anglim
Sarah Nichols
Alex Everette
Sydney Gurkin
Hannah Sandy
Jazzmin Gibbs