Post season honors go to Huron girls

by Angie Asam, Staff Writer

The Rogers City Hurons varsity volleyball team won their second straight district title before losing to Mio at the regional semi-finals. Three members of this years team, which finished tied for third in the Straits Area Conference earned all-conference honors, two moved on to receive all-region honors while junior setter/outside hitter Amanda Smolinski earned all-state honors for the second year in a row.

?I think the team did a great job and improved throughout the season. The hitters came along nicely and were putting the ball away when needed towards the end of the season. Our passing improved greatly from the beginning of the season, which allowed us to run some combination plays and mix things up a bit. Defensively we grew as a team and had some great matches. I am very happy with how the team progressed and am looking forward to next season,? said coach Kristy Smolinski.

Smolinski was named to the third team all-state and was a co-m

ost valuable winner with junior setter Linnea Brege. Smolinski had 507 kills this season as well as 350 set assists. She also had 185 digs, 95 aces and 76 blocks. She was an all-region selection and a first team all-conference selection. Senior middle hitter Rebecca Peacock earned second team all-conference honors as well as all region honors. Peacock notched 174 kills, had 40 aces and 55 blocks this season for the Hurons. Senior libero Emily Marx was an honorable mention selection in the conference for her season. Marx had 364 digs and 65 aces on the season and many times kept plays alive with some great digs.

?We will be losing several players but have a wealth of talent from which to chose. I am very proud of all the players and it takes a team to win games, not just an individual. The individuals that were recognized with post-season awards need to be congratulated for their accomplishments as they are all well deserving,? said coach Smolinski. Sophomore Lindsey Claus was named as the team?s most improved player. The Hurons graduate four seniors this year, Marx, Peacock, Shelby Schleben and Taylor Darling.