Manogue volleyball beats Reno, wins first state title

Nevada Appeal Staff Report

Manogue obviously played its best volleyball at the end of the season and the end result couldn't have been better.

After finishing third in the Sierra league, the Miners completed a two-week run through the Northern 4A playoffs and the NIAA 4A State Championships by winning the state title by beating Reno 25-21, 25-20, 23-25, 25-19 in the finals at Damonte Ranch.

"They just put it together the last couple weeks and really put together a fun string of volleyball together," Manogue coach Jason Sterrett said.

While Manogue was led by its two top players in twins Grace and Sofia Anxo, the Miners received plenty of strong efforts from several players. The Anxos both finished in double figures in kills and Corey Phillips added eight kills.

Manogue also received a strong effort from right side hitter Jamie Jackson and Allison Hill in the middle. Kassi Hargrove set up the attack. "She had a great match," Sterrett said.

Manogue was led defensively throughout the postseason by libero Caitlin Sullivan. "She was the rock of the team the last couple weeks," Sterrett said. "She led us with her passing."

"Reno played very well," Sterrett said. "It could have gone either way. We were just fortunate to pull it out at the end."