With the conclusion of the volleyball season earlier this month, the Northern Section released its post-season accolades, and among them are 13 Colusa County athletes who were recognized for their accomplishments on the court this season.
Maxwell – Five Star League:
After finishing second in league play to Redding Christian, the Panthers went on to claim the NSCIF Division VII title with seniors Paige Vierra and Perla Herrera, along with sophomore Emma Hendrix, garnering All-League recognition.
Vierra, as one of the team’s setters, distributed 109 assists, logged 89 kills, and served 60 aces over 51 sets this season.
In 48 sets, Herrera recorded 40 kills, 60 digs, and 42 aces.
Hendrix led the team in kills with 107, made 20 blocks, and handed out 82 assists.
Colusa – Sacramento Valley League:
Despite playing just one match in 2020, the RedHawks returned this season with a vengeance, running roughshod over their SVL opponents, to go undefeated in conference play behind four All-League performers in seniors Reese Roper, Anahi Guzman, Abby Myers, and junior Karsyn Gwinnup.
Roper, who played all-around, was selected the league’s Most Valuable Player and, despite having stats for just 40 percent of the matches, the RedHawk played, registered 186 kills (3.6/set), 132 digs, 33 blocks and 47 aces.
Guzman, the team’s libero, made 184 digs (3.5/set) and 224 service returns.
As the RedHawks’ setter, Myers dished out 421 assists, in addition to recording 140 digs and 42 aces.
Gwinnup, an exciting presence in the middle, accounted for 132 kills (2.8/set), 29 blocks, and 64 digs.
Williams – Mid-Valley League:
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the 2021 season, the Yellowjackets’, whose contacts were limited due to COVID protocol, ended the season 13-2 overall and 4-1 in league, where their only loss came at the hands of Quincy.
While no individual statistics from the season were available, anyone who saw the ‘Jackets play had to appreciate their hustle and teamwork.
Senior Gabby Lopez was the MVL’s Most Valuable Player, displaying great athleticism in all aspects of the game.
Also earning All-Conference honors, was a trio of juniors including Trinity Tungasmita, Brianna Jaime, and Alexa Barrera, all of whom played integral roles in the program’s best season in more than a decade.
Leading Williams in her first full season as head coach was Mingy Altamirano, who was selected as the MVL’s Coach of the Year.
Pierce – Sacramento Valley League:
It was a year of adjustment for Pierce, who in addition to learning a different system, had a number of underclassmen in key positions, who were learning the varsity game as they went.
Overall, however, the Bears showed potential as they finished fourth in the eight-team SVL, giving them two All-League picks, which went to senior Jaylianna Valencia and junior Jocelyn Medina.
Valenica held down the middle, accounting for 83 kills and 20 blocks, while also serving 38 aces over 50 sets.
Playing all around for Pierce, Medina was the team leader in kills with 95, made 131 digs, and served 34 aces in 45 sets. ■
