Big Sandy volleyball players were recognized early last week for their accomplishments at the end of a season that concluded with achievement of an important team goal.
A team banquet permitted the Lady Pioneers to reflect on a fall that had its ups and downs but capped with a remarkable upset-filled run to the divisional tournament.
In a players' vote, senior Amanda Cline earned the award for "scrappiest" player.
"It's probably about the biggest deal because that's the one the girls really want to get ... because it's given in honor of the memory of Laceen Ophus," said Pioneers coach Brittany McKenney.
Ophus died in a 2003 horse riding accident at age 19, following a volleyball career at Big Sandy High School that included being named best defensive and best offensive player her junior and senior year, respectively.
Cline, a senior captain, also took first-team all-conference honors and shared co-MVP honors with co-captain Lainey Gregory in a tie vote of her teammates. She took sole possession of the best defense award.
"She took that in really kind of a landslide," McKenney said.
Cline recorded a team-high 488 of the Pioneers' 1,217 digs on the season. An all-around player, she added 29 service aces, an assist, 25 kills and three solo blocks for the season.
Gregory earned second-team all-conference status and co-MVP, leading her team with 38 of a total 172 aces; 238 of their 348 assists; second only to Cline with 131 digs; 25 kills; a solo block and three block assists. Her peers also awarded her "best teammate."
"I really think a big reason is her leadership on the floor and off the floor," McKenney said. "I think what the girls appreciated most about her is she really tried to stay positive ... she really tries to keep the team up and not tear the team down (and) they responded well to that kind of leadership style."
Senior Hope Gasvoda earned "most improved" from her teammates.
McKenney said those who witnessed Gasvoda play called her a "whole different athlete from her freshman year to now."
"I think that her confidence really started to grow," she said, and it showed in her mental toughness and skills alike.
Gasvoda recorded 50 kills, 35 digs, four solo blocks, five block assists and three aces for the year.
Senior Stacey Allderdice won "best offense" to round out the player-voted awards. Allderdice led the squad with 63 kills and also recorded 18 aces and four assists.
Junior Alicia Bjornestad won the coaches' choice award.
"She earned that award for her all-out grit and ability to never complain. She worked so hard the entire season and always remained positive," McKenney said. "She never gave me any problems and is one of those all-around good kids. Not to mention, she also played all the way around and was a major asset to the team."
Junior varsity players were also awarded at the banquet with freshman Angie Sant named best teammate, freshman Josalynn Genereux as most improved, freshman Cadence Pleninger best offense, freshman Kylee Sternberg MVP and coaches' choice to junior Madison Terry.
