Pahrump Valley volleyball takes share of end-of-the-season honors

The Trojans volleyball team wasn’t expected to do much after losing five seniors last year and certainly wasn’t expected to go to the playoffs.

But the team exceeded expectations, finishing undefeated in league play, 15-16 overall.

The team came away with league honors for all their hard work and dedication.

For the second year in a row, Coach Jill Harris received the Sunset League coach of the year award. She did her magic and shaped the team into a playoff team.

Larry Goins, Trojans athletic director, said Harris is old school in that she puts a very high priority on having her players perform the fundamentals of the game.

“They spend a great deal of their practice time working on them,” Goins said. “She also holds all of her players to a very high standard. Couple that with the fact that they have fun playing the game and that the players are seeing themselves improve while enjoying the process. This is a great formula for success. It is the same every year!”

Jason Odegard, Trojans athletic administrator, said Harris has a strong work ethic.

“She is positive with the kids and has high expectations for the kids and they expect to win with her,” he said. “Harris works hard and puts the time in and the more they play the better they are.”

Players also received honors: Junior setter Jacquellen Stobbe made second team Class 3A all-state. Stobbe also made All-Southern Nevada first team and Sunset League player of the year.

Sophomore Kylie Stritenberger made All-Southern Nevada second team. Stritenberger also made first-team All-Sunset League, along with sophomore Madison Hansen. Freshman Nicky Velazquez and junior Elaina Dattillio made second-team All-Sunset League.

Contact sports jmeehan@pvtimes.com