All-region, state teams named for volleyball, soccer

Both the Northern 3A and state volleyball and soccer teams have been announced for the 2018 season.

Patty Daum, who announced her retirement from coaching earlier this month, was named volleyball Coach of the Year by her peers, while Truckee’s Kelly Cross, who led the Wolverines to the state championship finals, was selected Most Valuable Player.

“When I heard I received the award, it was very humbling,” said Daum, who retired after 14 years with the program.

Fallon senior Taylor Ingram earned second-team honors as a libero. She also played outside hitter, defensive specialist and right side. During the season, Ingram had 83 kills, 83 points, 17 blocks and a team-high 125 digs.

“I’m really happy,” Daum said of Ingram. “Taylor is the most consistent player we had. She’s level-headed, keeps her cool and places the ball where needed.”

Daum said Ingram is a good, solid all-around player who is very academic oriented.

The Lady Wave landed three players on honorable mention: Journey Martin, Shelbi Schultz and Karlee Hitchcock.

Although Martin played the majority of matches as a libero, she was selected for her play as outside hitter. For the season, the Greenwave senior recorded 77 points, 13 kills and 123 digs, second highest on the team.

“She was absolutely the vocal leader of this team,” Daum said. “She got things done.”

Daum said Martin showed her “court sense” during her varsity career.

Shultz, who played setter, led Fallon in assists with 197. The Lady Wave senior also had 54 digs and 29 kills. Hitchcock, the only Fallon junior who placed on a postseason team, was also selected as a setter although she spent most of her time as a middle blocker or outside hitter. She finished the season with 73 kills and 55 blocks.

“Shelbi set the ball to anyone,” Daum said, adding Schultz was a good defensive player and works very hard. “She’s a small setter on the front row, but she played taller (than her height).”

Daum said Hitchcock missed part of the season with an injury.

“She could play any position on the front row,” Daum said. “Great things are to come from her.”

The Lady Wave had three players make the Northern 3A soccer teams — Samantha Hines, first team; Kenna Hamlin, second team; and Sydney Gusewelle, honorable mention. Hines, who was also selected to the second team for 3A All-State, was one of the best goalkeepers with 165 saves. Hamlin had one goal, six assists and 10 shots on goal. Gusewelle had two assists, five goals, 12 shots on goal.

The boys soccer team had two players on second team: Oscar Garcia and Cesar Molina. Garcia had 18 goals for Fallon and also 12 shots on goal. In 14 matches, Molina had 233 saves as the Greenwave’s goalkeeper.