The San Juan Basin League recognized three area volleyball players after the 2016 season.
Mancos senior Nicole Hess and Dolores junior Josie Majors were each named to the SJBL all-conference second team, and Dove Creek senior Kiera Baughman received honorable mention.
A four-year varsity player for the Lady Blue Jays, Hess moved all over the court and played multiple different positions. With stats from 54 sets this season, she led the team in digs (251) and assists (164) and was third in kills (39) and blocks (13).
“She definitely worked into that leadership role toward the middle of the year and led her team,” said Mancos head coach Brittany Lang. “Not only in knowledge and statistics, but also just in positive leadership. The girls really look up to her and she is the best player on the team.”
Joining Hess on the all-conference second team was Majors, who played some outside hitter for the Lady Bears this season before being moved to right side. With stats from 65 sets, Majors led Dolores in kills (117) and was third in digs (178), aces (15) and blocks (16).
“She’s been a strong leader for me on the court,” said Dolores head coach Gina Hollen. “She’s adaptable in any position, and I’ve never gotten any pushback from her. She’s a very coachable kid. She’s a good passer, she’s a good hitter, she can definitely set the ball for us and she’s consistent on her serves.”
Dove Creek senior Kiera Baughman was the final area player recognized by the SJBL, selected as an all-conference honorable mention. With stats from 62 sets during her senior season with the Lady Bulldogs, Baughman led the team in aces (27), was second in serves received (163) and was third in kills (84) and digs (184).
“She was our senior captain and was our consistent player that held the team together,” said Dove Creek head coach Melissa Carver. “She was right in there in the lead with digs and attacks, and was just really consistent, really well rounded and a really good leader for us.”
