Lady Lions named to all-district teams

Albany’s Kiana Roberson was named Most Valuable Player on the All-District 8-2A team as nine Lady Lions received spots on the team.

The all-district team, selected by vote of the district coaches, was released after all district teams were eliminated from the playoffs.

Roberson, a senior middle blocker, led Albany in kills for the second year in a row.

“The only superlative we got was Kiana as MVP, but that was great considering we were runner-up in district,” Lady Lions coach M.J. Reneau said. “That just shows she was a great player, and we’re super proudofher.We’regoingtomiss her next year.”

Libero Robin Lucas, middle blocker Caroline Holson, and setter Abi Hale were selected to the first team.

Outside hitter Callan Edgar and defensive specialist Brooklyn Abbate were named to the second team.

Sophomores Caroline Chapman and Mimi Ivy and freshman Zayne Lefevre received honorable mention.

“We had a really good turnout,” Reneau said.

Reneau said academic alldistrict honors are to be announced later in the week after grades are posted.

Roberson, Lucas, Edgar, and Abbate were part of a deep senior class that led Albany to a 30-8 record. After finishing second in District 6-2A, the Lady Lions reached the area round of the playoffs before falling to Windthorst.

“I was disappointed we had to take the route we did in the playoffs because I think we could have made it really far,” Reneau said. “We’re hoping Windthorst goes all the way. They’re still playing, made the state tournament.”

Reneausaidtheseniorgroup was vital to the success Albany has had the last few years.

“Most of them were on varsity as sophomores, so they had to grow up quick and take on that leadership role,” she said. “They carried it on through their junior and senior years. I’ve had this group since they were in eighth grade and are a special group that accomplished a lot.”