Lady Lions named to all-district team
By Donnie A. Lucas
Members of the Lady Lion volleyball team captured two superlative awards and four spots each on the first and second 6-2A All-District selections.
Junior Torie Fuentes was named the district’s Defensive MVP, while sophomore Sarah Beth Cotter received the Newcomer of the Year award.
The honors were split between Albany and Hawley in the 2A bracket of district selections, while the other five district schools were grouped in the 1A bracket of the mixed classification district. Coaches from all seven schools voted on the honors for both divisions. The teams also advanced into separate 1A and 2A brackets in the playoffs despite being grouped together in district.
“I am very happy with the way Albany was represented in the All-District selections,” head volleyball coach M.J. Reneau said. “The two girls honored with superlative awards were very deserving. Torie played a completely new position this year as libero and led the team in digs and serve receive attempts, and Sarah stepped into a big role as the middle blocker this season and was a huge part of our offense.”
Named to the first team were senior Taylor Scott, along with juniors Alli Hill, Addie Beth Denton, and Blanton Belcher.
“Each of those players were in our starting line up at one point in the season, and their leadership in practices and games was vital to our success,” the coach said.
Four other Lady Lions were named to the second team, including senior Mady Connally, junior Hannah Trail, and sophomores Clara Holson and Ansleigh Garcia.
“I was glad we had so many girls spread across the awards,” Reneau said. “I’m looking forward to having all but the two seniors back next year.”
The coach commented that the girls all showed a lot of growth as a team and individually during the 2019 season.
“Our goals have not changed, and we are excited to see what the future holds,” Reneau said.
The Lady Lions ended the season with a loss at the area playoff against Miles in four games, finishing with an overall record of 20-13.
Several girls were named to the District All-Academic team including Blanton Belcher, Alli Hill, Sarah Cotter, Clara Holson, Hannah Trail, Taylor Scott, and Tana Thompson.
