Senior sweep All-City prep volleyball honors

From: Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil, IA - 27 Nov 2002

RYAN WEATHERILL

Staff Writer

Veteran leadership is the theme throughout this year's Daily Nonpareil All-City Volleyball Teams.

The talent of this year's senior class is readily evident, as all 12 of the players on the first or second team are seniors.

The impact of the seasoned players was apparent when looking at the success of the Council Bluffs volleyball teams this year.

Lewis Central, St. Albert and Abraham Lincoln each made an appearance in the regional semifinals, with the Lynx falling just one match short of the state tournament, dropping a five-set heartbreaker to Ames in the regional final.

The three teams each had at least 20 wins, with A.L. chalking up 34, and combined to amass an impressive record of 79-35-8.

Thomas Jefferson struggled at times during a rebuilding year, recording just four wins, but showed signs of improvement and has talent to build on.

Iowa School for the Deaf had a solid 2002 campaign, notching a 14-14 record just one year after winning only one game.

Here is a closer look at the 2002 Daily Nonpareil All-City Volleyball Teams:

FIRST TEAM

Drake University recruit Eve Johnson (Sr., St. Albert) put together another stellar campaign on her way to leading the Saintes to a 21-14-2 record and a trip to the regional semifinals. Johnson finished the season with 389 kills, 252 digs, 48 ace serves and 88 blocks, all team-highs.

Minette Ridenour (Sr., Abraham Lincoln) was a force at the net for the Lynx this year, notching 539 kills and paving the way for a regional final appearance. Ridenour added 380 digs and 88 ace serves as well for A.L.

For the second straight year, setter Aran Tradel (Sr., Lewis Central) ran the Titans' offense en route to pacing them to an undefeated Hawkeye 10 Conference schedule. Tradel was fourth in the state in assists per game in 2002 with 10.38, and had 789 total on the year.

Trisha Barntsen (Sr., Lewis Central), who makes a return appearance on the first team, was a big factor up front in the Titans' tear through the Hawk 10. Barntsen racked up 411 kills on the year and was 18th in the state in kills-per-game average with 4.67.

Jessica Lalk (Sr., Abraham Lincoln) was a solid all-around player for the Lynx, leading them in digs with 478 and ace serves with 113. Lalk was also a threat up front as she was second on the team in kills with 311.

Laura Sawatzke (Sr., St. Albert) was strong up front for the Saintes, and played a big role in their success. Sawatzke was second on the team in many categories, including blocks (65), kills (189) and digs (233).

SECOND TEAM

Last season's City Basketball Player of the Year, Elisha Turek (Sr., Abraham Lincoln) proved more than a one-dimensional athlete with her play on the volleyball court. Turek chalked up 201 kills, 161 blocks and 33 ace serves for the Lynx.

Another key player in the Titans' domination of their conference was Jill Husz (Sr., Lewis Central). An outside hitter, Husz was second on the team in kills and combined with Barntsen to make an imposing front line.

Jess Hurley (Sr., St. Albert) paced the offense as the Saintes' setter, averaging 8.5 set assists per game. Hurley also completed 95-percent of her serves, was second on the team in aces with 43 and added 191 digs.

Kelsey Kermoade (Sr., Thomas Jefferson) has played an integral role for the Lady Jackets for the past three seasons. Kermoade was the Jackets' best defender in 2002 and was a force out of the back row.

Rachel Salvo (Sr., Lewis Central) was an excellent back row player for the Titans, but her talent didn't stop there. On top of pulling up digs, serving and passing, Salvo became equally dominant at the net in 2002, causing matchup problems for opposing teams.

Mary Kay Caniglia (Sr., St. Albert) had an excellent all-around year for the Saintes. Caniglia was solid from anywhere on the floor, recording 153 kills, 216 digs, 38 blocks and 38 ace serves.

Honorable Mention

Abraham Lincoln: Amber Yoder, Chelsea Jarvis, Megan Freeman.

Iowa School for the Deaf: Katie Romey, Sarah Brown, Karen Ruckman, Jada Hart.

Lewis Central: Katie Higgins, Jessica Hansen.

St. Albert: Justine Olsen, Amanda Boyer.

Thomas Jefferson: Ashtyn Neal, Kara Vallinch.

©2002 The Daily Nonpareil. All rights reserved.