Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
There is little doubt to the idea of this season’s Tomahawk varsity volleyball squad hitting their share of rough spots this season. Despite that idea though, the ladies finished their season with more than their share of finer points to be proud of; including a respectable 23-14 overall record, a third place finish in a very competitive conference this season (8-4) and a decisive 3-1 win over Antigo to open the WIAA post-season.
Even though their season may have ended a bit too soon, against sectional finalist Merrill, the team garnered post-season accolades recently when the All-GNC teams were released and four Hatchet ladies were listed.
Topping the list was unanimous 1st team selection, senior Becca Doughty.
Doughty enjoyed a dominant senior season to say the least, blowing out conference competition in total assists (509) and placing eighth overall in the GNC with serving aces (22).
In fact, the only athlete to come remotely close to measuring up to Doughty’s mountain of assists was Mosinee’s Janae Antosch, with 306.
“Becca had over 1000 assists on the year,” comments head coach Paul Zierten. “She did a phenomenal job of leading the team and distributing the ball around the court. Becca really kept us in some games by knowing where the weak spot was and exposing it.”
Senior Hanna Meyer also garnered 1st team honors after asserting herself as the “Ace” of the GNC with 37 serving aces and the conference’s kill-leader with 236 kills on the season.
“Hanna did an incredible job of being ready to attack from any position on the court,” Zierten adds. “She had over 500 kills and was always a threat to the opponents’ defense. Her all-around play really kept us moving along this year.”
Senior Colynn Behling and Hannah Feest garned All-GNC Honorable Mention honors for their hardwood prowess this season.
Behling maintained herself as a consistent dual-threat to opponents this season, placing sixth in the conference in kills (133) and in turn led the Hatchets in blocks with 17 total blocked shots.
“Colynn was great to have in the front row with her blocking ability and vision,” Zierten said. “She found the open spot more times than not, and had an uncanny ability to get the big points when we needed them. Colynn did a superb job for us offensively and defensively.”
Feest was a relentless force for the Hatchets at libero this season.
Aside from piling up 218 digs which ranked 4th in the conference, Feest also ranked third on the team in serving aces (20).
“Hannah had just under 500 digs on the year and was the one controlling the back court.” Zierten explains. “She did a great job of coaching girls in new positions and keeping points alive that should’ve been points for the other team long ago.”
• All statistics are GNC statistics, as reported.