D-V Volleyball Preview

November 5, 2015 by Andy Morales, AZPreps365


No. 1 Pinon (17-0)

Head coach Nellie McCurtain names outside hitter Janiesa Peralto, middle Raquel Archie and setter Shonell Ben as her team leaders.

The Eagles went undefeated in non invitational matches, only giving up three sets in their division. Pinon defeated No. 2 St. Michael 3-1 on Oct. 27th.
"The time and effort they put in during the summer and morning hours in the summer," McCurtain said on the reason for her program's success.

"Each team member is accountable and responsible for being at practice and knowing they belong to a team.  They strive to always try their best and overcome obstacles.  Each girl supports one another on and off the court," she added.

 

No. 2 St. Michael (17-1)

Andrea Ashkie is in her second year with the Cardinals. Her team improved from 10-7 in her first year to the No. 2 seed this year.

A 2004 graduate of St. Michael, Ashkie's team is comprised of seven seniors including Kenisha Begay and Hunter Begaye.

 

No. 3 Tonopah Valley (17-0)

Head coach Ed Andersson lists Kassandra Renteria, Naomi Dalley and Christina Renteria as his leaders.

"Our success this year was motivated from not going to state last year," Andersson told AZPreps365.com. "Most of our players played last year and they had the goal to make it to state this year.  I have a great group of players that are focused and humble.  They know having a 17-0 record has put a target on them in state."

 

No. 4 St. David (14-3)

Tylene Miller was named Small School Coach of the Year in 2013 after she led the Tigers to a 36-1 record and a state championship.

Some of her leaders this year include Ashlyn Trejo, Kielee Miller, Madalyn Judd and Ashlyn Goodman.

 

No. 5 Patagonia (13-2)

It’s been ten years since Patagonia qualified for the state playoffs.

"Our girls work hard but the losses we have had is because of what we do to ourselves," coach Stephanie Padilla explained. "This team has what it takes to get us to the next level," Padilla added.

Annabelle Somoza, Lily Wharton and Christina Novack are some of the team leaders.

 

No. 6 Duncan (15-2)

Head coach Sandy French lists setter Makenna Merrell, outside Madison French and opposite Cassidy Waters as her leaders.

"Our success is based not only on their athletic ability but on team chemistry on and off the court. They trust each other on the court." French said.

 

No. 7 Valley Sanders (12-4)

Latisha Nastacio and Tilda Hubbell the team leaders according to head coach Mary Lynch.

"We have focused on 'TEAM' and I believe that is one reason our team is here this year," Lynch explained.

 

No. 8 Mogollon (13-4)

Head coach Theresa Kelton named Merceidez Fabok, Sam Despain and Jennifer Maner as her team leaders.

"The Mustangs have a very well rounded team, made up of freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors," Kelton said. "The great mix brings about a great determination. Every player brings something to the court that makes the solid."

 

No. 9 Rock Point (10-3)

Longtime head coach Melvin Arthur is in the playoffs after being ranked 27th the last two years and 31st the year before that.

Crystanna Begay, Delilah Castillo, Pashen Johnson, Raelene Blueeyes and Keandra Sam are his senior leaders.

 

No. 10 St. Johns (11-4)

"St. Johns Redskin Volleyball is making a comeback after losing senior starter, two time section player of the year and one time division player of the year Cambria Whiting," head coach Joy Whiting explained.

Cambria Whiting suffered a complete tear of her ACL a few weeks ago in a game. 

Merilee Bloomfield has moved from middle to Outside Hitter to replace Whiting, and Analee Thompson has stepped in as the other middle along with Savannah Carpenter.

Other team leaders include Abbie Overson, Kendra Avila, Cassidy Crosby, Hope Davis and Staphany Bahe.

"The whole team has stayed focused and fought their way back to hold strong for this year’s state tournament," Whiting added.

 

No. 11 Ash Fork (16-2)

Connie Stevens is leading one of her best teams this year. The Spartans last had a winning season in 2011.
Some of her leaders include senior setter Nicole Keele along with five juniors.

 

No. 12 Fort Thomas (12-5)

Former Fort Thomas standout Laiken Molina is now the head coach.  The Apaches climbed from 35th to No. 12 this year under Molina.

 

No. 13 The Gregory School (11-6)

Angela Vande Mheen is in her second year at The Gregory School.

"Our leader this year has been our only senior, and setter, Janessa Leon-Guerrero," Vande Mheen said.  "She is the calming presence that brings everyone back down to Earth.  She leads by example, working hard every day."

"We have focused a lot on being mentally tough and have definitely struggled at times.  I do believe one of the reasons for our success are the relationships within the team.  All the girls seem to love and respect one another," she added.

 

No. 14 Santa Cruz (11-3)

David Crumbaker is in his third year with Santa Cruz. His leaders include Ty Gil and Mia Balenegro.

 

No. 15 Williams (15-3)

This is head coach Chesney Grantham first year with the program. His leaders include Kami Batterton, Dara Bowdon, Destinee Pennington and Andrea Hernandez.

 

No. 16 NFL Yet Academy (13-4)

Adam Sharp leads the Eagles to their first playoff appearance. Some of his leaders include KimberlyLoya-Aranda, Chyanne Castro, Florizet Romero and Alicia Sharp.