AHS players picked for volleyball post-season recognition

By Sam Waller

Three members of the Albany Lady Lions volleyball team were recognized for their efforts in 2022 by bigcountrypreps.com.

Middle blocker Kiana Roberson and setter Abi Hale were named reserves on the All-Big Country Preps third team, while senior outside hitter Ella Webb earned a spot on the website’s Max Effort team.

The Lady Lions posted a 24-8 record and a share of the District 6-2A championship before their season ended with a bi-district loss to Sonora.

Roberson, a 5-foot-8 junior, finished the season with per-set averages of 3.2 kills, 2.7 digs, 0.5 aces and 0.3 blocks despite missing half the district schedule with an injury.

“Kiana was our most powerful hitter this year,” Lady Lions coach M.J. Reneau said in a quote for the website. “She really stepped up and was our go-to girl when we needed a point. She got hurt in the middle of district with an ankle injury but was able to come back for playoffs.”

Hale, a 5-5 sophomore, averaged 6.9 assists, 2.8 digs, 1.1 aces and 0.9 kills per set.

“Abi was a force on offense for us this year,” Reneau told the website. “She is just a sophomore and played every point of every game. She has great court awareness and was able to run a quick offense for us.”

The Max Effiort team recognizes character, grit and work ethic instead of statistics. It honors “the best teammates and best citizens,” according to big countrypreps.com. Webb fit the bill for Albany.

“Ella was a leader on and off the court this year,” Reneau said. “She always brought the energy we needed and got her teammates ready for the game. She gave it her all every day with a smile on her face.”