2006 All-Western North Carolina Volleyball Team announced (12-21/06)

The following article is from the December 18^th, 2006 edition of the Asheville Citizen-Times.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Sheryl Heninger, North Buncombe - In her first year, she guided the Black Hawks to a 15-5 record, marking an 11-win improvement from the previous season. North Buncombe won 12 games in the Mountain Athletic Conference with its only two losses coming to conference champion and 3-A state semifinalist Enka.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Bailey Hunter, Hendersonville, Junior, Outside Hitter - The two-time Western Highlands Conference Player of the Year led the Bearcats (25-4) to their second consecutive NCHSAA 1-A title. Hunter was at her best in the championship match against Pender, helping the Bearcats win in five games after losing the first two. She tallied 35 kills and 20 digs and was named the championship match’s most valuable player for the second straight year. She finished her junior season with 373 kills and made 230 digs.

Sarah Paquette, Asheville Christian Academy, Senior, Setter - The Carolina Athletic Association’s Most Valuable Player capped her career with 489 assists, 111 digs and 64 aces. A four-year starter, she helped the Lions (23-0) win their eighth consecutive N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association championship. She was also a NCISAA all-state selection for the third year.

Caitlin Hensley, Enka, Senior, Middle Hitter - The Mountain Athletic Conference Co-Player of the Year led the Sugar Jets to a 24-1 record, the MAC title and the 3-A Western Regional championship game. She led Enka in kills (412), hitting percentage (.615) and total blocks (135).

Bridgette Hills, Roberson, Senior, Middle Hitter - The versatile All-MAC selection recorded 557 digs, 359 kills, 68 aces and 47 blocks. The 5-foot-7 senior also was named the team MVP for the third straight season, carrying the Rams to 14 wins and the second round of the 3-A playoffs.

Lindsey Pate, West Henderson, Senior, Defender/Outside hitter - A two-time All-Western Athletic Conference selection, Pate helped the Falcons (26-1) to another outstanding season, the seventh in a row they’ve earned at least a share of a conference title. An athletic and skilled player, Pate led the team in digs (587) and kills (257).

Brooke Stanley, West Henderson, Senior, Setter - The two-time Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year led the Falcons to the NCHSAA 2-A title game and finished the season with 462 assists, 172 kills, 144 digs, 92 aces and 69 blocks. The Albany University signee notched 2,107 assists, 407 aces, 549 kills and 543 digs in her four-year career. The Falcons had a 118-4 record during that time and won two state titles.

SECOND TEAM

Asheville Christian Academy junior outside hitter Anna Brinkley

Enka senior libero Kady Duncan

Franklin senior hitter Carrie Long

Hendersonville senior middle blocker Meredith Stricker

North Henderson senior setter Leah Cagle

Swain County senior middle hitter Sarah Davis

HONORABLE MENTION

Asheville Christian Academy: Jordan Barlow, Ashley Welch, Ellie George

Carolina Day: Charlene Fidelia

East Henderson: Mary Margaret Burdett,

Cristin Owens, Erin Rholl

Enka: Lauren Hall, Rachel Olivo

Erwin: Nikki Tatham

Hendersonville: Kara Cosgrove,

Candice Kasischke, Tara Lindeman

Madison: Laurel Gregg, Sarah Hensley,

Megan Young

North Buncombe: Natalie Boone, Kirsten Hamel, Taylor Isgrig, Kerstin Koehler, Emily Piccirillo

North Henderson: Brittany VunCannon

Owen: Courtney Morgan, Lisle Gwynn,

Bre Przestrzelski

Polk County: Courtney Johnston, Brooke Lewis, Krista Overholt, Lindsey Ruth

Robbinsville: Brandy Deddo

Smoky Mountain: Sarah Haggard

Swain County: Kristen Cook