Five Cardinals named to All Conference teams

The Garner-Hayfield/Ventura volleyball team had five girls named to the All Conference team. Seniors Emily Mathews and Courtney Younge earned First Team recognition.  Senior Shelby Rayhons and  freshman Hannah Lau were named to the Second Team and Mallory Van Oort, a junior, earned Honorable Mention recognition.

Mathews, who was one of three unanimous choices for First Team, led the team in several categories, including kills with 276, ace serves with 43, total blocks with 75 and digs with 118.

“Emily is an all-around solid volleyball player.  As a hitter, she has great eyes for the court,” said Coach Kelsey Steffens.

As the team’s setter, Younge led the team in assists with 531. She also led the team at the service line with 317 points and 40 ace serves.  She had 27 blocks and 41 digs.

“Courtney runs the floor extremely well.  She makes smart choices and is aware of her blockers on the opposing side, which allows for the hitters to be up against a solo block,” said Steffens.

Rayhons also was a solid player for the Cardinals, with 103 digs, 87 kills and 230 points from the service line.

“Shelby is a smart volleyball player.  A good portion of the free balls returned are from Shelby’s attacks, as both her swing and tip are highly effective,” said Steffens.

Lau, who is only a freshman, was an impressive addition to the Cardinal line-up.

“Hannah has no fear in the front row and is strong enough to put the ball away for a kill.  Her ability to move across the net has helped out blocking,” said Steffens.

Lau was second on the team in kills with 137.  She also contributed 25 blocks.

Van Oort was key to the back row and was a strong server for the team.  She contributed 64 digs and had 251 points from the service line with 23 ace serves.

“Mallory is a determined volleyball player who strives to do her best given every opportunity,” said Steffens.

GHV finished the season with a record of 26-8.