2023 News-Herald volleyball all-stars
Nov. 19—PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Katie Sowko
Lake Catholic, senior
The Cougars didn't need to have their offense run through one hitter, so Sowko never needed to take over a game. But her versatility all around the court allowed for her to be able to utilize her skill set all season. Sowko finished her season with 315 kills (4.1 per set) to go with 252 digs (3.3). However even in the back row she served as an attacking threat for the Cougars. The one game Lake Catholic did turn to Sowko to lead the game was the biggest of the season as she had a double-double with 21 kills and 17 digs as the Cougars made it back-to-back Division III state titles. The Wright State signee ended her career as a first-team All-Ohioan to boot, ending a stellar career.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Kara Oster, Lake Catholic
From the outset of the season, Oster felt the season was going to be a special one for the Cougars. After they dropped the second set to St. Joseph on Aug. 22, Lake Catholic didn't drop another set until the third set against Gilmour on Oct. 12. With over a month and a half undefeated, Lake Catholic was the wire-to-wire No. 1 team in the OHSVCA state poll in D-III. The Cougars went on to finish their undefeated campaign for their second straight state title, third in school history and dropped just three sets along the way. From start to finish, it was a dominant year for the Cougars.
FIRST TEAM
OH Marlie Davis, Jr., Gilmour
A strong six rotation player for the state runner-up, finished her season with 351 kills (3.8) and 226 digs (2.4). The lead attacker for the Lancers also had 27 aces en route to second team All-Ohio honors.
OH Jillian Gdovin, Sr., Mayfield
The Wildcats' leader was a force everywhere on the floor as she totaled 301 kills (4.1) and 55 blocks (0.8). Was also a key part in the back row with 209 digs (2.9) along with 34 aces.
L Brie Habeeb, Jr., Gilmour
Held a strong back row for the Lancers as she racked up 583 digs (6.1) to lead the coverage area. Also a force from the service line with 59 aces and earned honorable mention All-Ohio.
S Sam Hartman, Sr., Mentor
A do-it-all setter for the Cardinals, racked up 751 assists (9.6), 108 kills (1.4) and 36 blocks (0.5) in the front row. Had 217 digs (2.8) to boot with 77 aces, as the Mentor record holder in assists and aces in a career. Honorable mention All-Ohio and Edinboro signee.
L Bree Herman, Sr., Riverside
Guided the Beavers' defense as they returned to a district final with her 492 digs (5.5), both of which were second in the area. Also recorded 27 aces from the service line.
S Ella Jackson, Jr., Gilmour
Missed a portion of the season but returned without missing a beat as she totaled 628 assists (9.2). Still flew all around the floor with 175 digs (2.6) and had 34 aces. Second-team All-Ohio.
OH Emma McCartney, Sr., Chardon
An early injury ended her season but led the Hilltoppers to early-season success. Still racked up 107 kills (4.9) kills and 58 digs (2.6) in her limited season. Northern Illinois signee.
S Hannah Pattie, Sr., Lake Catholic
Just short of another 1,000-assist season as she racked up 923 (11.8), but was also a threat on the attack when needed. Also totaled 186 digs (2.4) and 38 aces to help the Cougars to back-to-back state titles. First-team All-Ohio and Campbell signee.
MB Aria Payne, Jr., Beaumont
Led the Blue Streaks in kills and blocks with 246 (3.1) and 62 (0.8), respectively, to help guide a resurgent season. Also totaled 39 aces from the service line.
OH Riley Rosneck, Sr., Kenston
Led the Bombers to their first regional appearance since 2014 as she racked up 329 kills (4.4) and 46 blocks (0.6). A six rotation player, also compiled 215 digs (2.9) and 21 aces. Honorable mention All-Ohio and Purdue Fort Wayne signee.
OH Maddie Smetana, Sr., Berkshire
Guided the Badgers to a share of the CVC Valley title with 296 kills (4.3) and 29 blocks (0.4). Also a strong voice in the back row with 234 digs (3.4) as well.
SECOND TEAM
S Jaiden Anderson, Sr., North: Fueled the Rangers' attack as she racked up 591 assists (8.1), Also played strong defense with 187 digs (2.6) as well as recording 46 aces. Shippensburg commit.
L Samantha Cantrell, Sr., North: Held down the back row for the Rangers with 354 digs (4.8). Also had 51 aces from the service line. Mount Union signee.
MB Kayla Herbst, Sr., West Geauga: Led the Wolverines from the middle as she led them in kills and blocks with 123 (2.1) and 57 (1.0), respectively. Also had 19 aces.
S Courtney Johnson, Jr., Riverside: Was able to work with a strong group of attackers as she totaled 840 assists (9.1), but was also a force on the block with 33 (0.4). Also had 225 digs (2.4) and 42 aces.
OH Nina Loncar, Sr., Kirtland: Guided the Hornets from both rows as she racked up 353 kills (4.2), and 242 digs (2.9). Also totaled 30 aces to share the CVC Valley title and advance to a district final.
OH Madison Miner, Jr., Perry: The leader for the Pirates led the coverage area with 433 kills (5.8), while leading the team with 228 digs (3.0). Also compiled 56 aces and 21 blocks (0.3).
L Julia Oster, Jr., Lake Catholic: The Cougars' back row voice, recorded 285 digs (3.8) and was a threat for an ace every time from the service line with 71. Honorable mention All-Ohio.
OH Reily Parent, Sr., NDCL: Headlined the Lions' attack with 218 kills (3.5) while also playing a role in the receiving game with 159 digs (2.5). A senior voice to help a young team to a regional final. Edinboro commit.
OH Ali Puruczky, So., Cardinal: Emerged as the Huskies' leader in the attack with 295 kills (4.0) as well with the receive with 312 digs (4.3). Also had 31 aces for a strong sophomore campaign.
OH Skylar Toth, Sr., Chardon: Versatile six rotation player as she had 301 kills (3.8) and 304 digs (3.8). Also played strong on the block with 36 blocks (0.5) and had 32 aces.
THIRD TEAM
L Nina Alfieri, Jr., Kirtland: Led the back row for the Hornets with 415 digs (5.2) for the defense. Also recorded 22 aces.
MH Emma Blankenship, Sr., NDCL: Missed the beginning of the season with an injury but returned and was a force for the Lions. Had 72 kills (2.2) and 20 blocks (0.6) with 19 aces. American commit.
MB Ava Budrys-Rini, Jr., Lake Catholic: A force up front for the Cougars, recorded 53 blocks (0.7) along with 184 kills (2.4) kills. Totaled 21 aces and will be a big piece to return for next year.
MB Liz Dunmire, So., VASJ: Became the leader for the Vikings with 219 kills (3.6) and 61 blocks (1.0) in the front row. Had 187 digs (3.1) with 27 aces.
RS Maria Flynn, Sr., Gilmour: Played strong from pin to pin with 266 kills (2.8) and played big in the strong block of the Lancers with 60 blocks (0.6) blocks.
RH Melody Garrett, So., Mentor: Emerged as the lead attacker for the Cardinals with 268 kills (3.3) with 23 blocks (0.3). Also a strong defender with 208 digs (2.6) while recording 29 aces.
L Ashley Hansen, Fr., Cornerstone: Among the coverage area leaders in digs as she recorded 413 on the year (5.2). Also finished as the area leader with 78 aces.
OH Maddie Luciano, Jr., South: In a strong trio of attackers for the Rebels, her ability as a six rotation player helped her emerge as the leader. Had 262 kills (3.5), 254 digs (3.4) and 38 aces.
L Lucy Salata, Sr., Beaumont: Anchored the back line for the Blue Streaks, finished her season with 357 digs (4.6) and 14 aces for the district runner-ups.
S Quinnie van de Walle, Sr., Beaumont: Became the do-it-all player for Beaumont, as she orchestrated the offense with 513 assists (6.7). Also recorded 178 digs (2.3), 115 kills (1.5), 23 blocks (0.3) and 44 aces.
HONOR ROLL
Andrews Osborne: Zenha Gerson; Beachwood: Madison Gray; Beaumont: Tori Brown; Berkshire: Katelyn Miller, Marissa Rish; Brush: Ilaya Akinkuoye; Cardinal: Maddie Ehrhardt, Morgan Csontos; Chagrin Falls: Lauren Burgess, Peyeton Pierce; Chardon: Grace Legan, Addison Koppelman; Cornerstone: Tamarra Talbert, Cheyenne Patton; Euclid: Jameecia Johnson, Comyah Roberts; Fairport: Beyla Sadler, Brittany Pomplas; Geneva: Brooke Richmond, Sydney Park; Gilmour: Mi-Na Diggs, Kayla Channell, D'Aria Whitner; Harvey: Jada Coffey; Hawken: Emily Monachino, Chidimma Obi, Addie Gardner; Kenston: Peyeton Pampush, Avari Amstutz, Emma Brownfield; Kirtland: Katie Reynolds; Lake Catholic: Natalya Bergant, Mia Schaefer; Madison: Shay Roby, Madison Fairbanks; Mayfield: Kayen Coffey, Christine Rocco; Mentor: Kayden McKinney, Gwyneth Gil; North: Cami Welty; NDCL: Abby Tolin, Grace Daniels; Perry: Sarah Heffernan; Riverside: Savannah Laurenty, Riley Horvat; South: Sadie Nawrocki, Caitlin Boruszkowski; VASJ: Sophia Stachnik; West Geauga: Malory Lear; Wickliffe: Kate Roche, Samara Young
