Natalie Anderson
Four years of top-notch play. That’s what Jaycie Roberts brought to the Carson High volleyball program.
Roberts, who started as a libero her freshman season, capped a stellar career by being named Co-Player of the Year for the Sierra League in a vote of league coaches.
Her numbers were incredible this year — 447 kills (kill percentage of 41.5), 171 digs, 58 blocks and 32 aces. She shared the honor with Ali Reviglio of Bishop Manogue.
For her three-year career as a hitter, Roberts had 1,008 kills, 71 aces, 712 digs and 160 blocks. If she wasn’t a hitter, she would have been the best libero in the league. Versatility is her strong suit.
“She started all four years, and two of those years we went to the regional finals,” coach Robert Maw said. “As far as all-around play goes nobody in northern Nevada can touch her. She has just been an outstanding player.”
Maw said he doesn’t remember a player with more than 400 kills in his time with the program.
Sophomore libero Abby Pradere and junior setter Natalie Anderson were second-team picks, and junior Dajarrah Navarro was an honorable mention selection.
Anderson finished with 631 assists (8.8 per set). She served up 43 aces and had 25 blocks.
“It’s a nice honor for Natalie,” Maw said. “Most of our offense all year went through her, and she had a good season.
“Abby grew up a lot this year. She is such a good athlete. Her club coach is going to use her both as a setter and libero this year.”
Pradere served up 36 aces, had 28 blocks and had a team-leading 228 digs. In her pre-high school days, she had been a setter.
Navarro led the team in blocks with 140 and was fourth on the team in kills with 67.
Dayton coach honored
Monica Halverson shared 3A Coach of the Year honors with Patty Daum of Fallon.
It was the first honor for Halverson, who has the Dust Devils in the post-season on a regular basis. The fact Dayton was third in the regular season makes Halverson’s award even bigger. Normally COY goes to the first-place coach.
“It was a little bit of a surprise,” said Halverson, who guided Dayton to a 19-12 record, including 11-5 in league. Dayton was second to Truckee in the post-season tournament. “It was pretty awesome.”
Brianda Diaz and Makenna Olsen were named to the first team. Diaz also was selected to the 3A all-state squad. Diaz finished with 154 kills and 204 digs, while Olsen had 154 kills and 39 blocks.
“Brianda is one of my little firecrackers,” Halverson said. “She has the ability to play anywhere on the floor. Like Madison (Foley), Brianda was born to play volleyball.
“She didn’t play last year, but she showed as a sophomore that she could be among the leaders (in various categories). She is a great player.”
Halverson said Olsen stepped up later in the year.
“She awoke in the second half of the season,” Halverson said. “She has been very fierce and dominant at the net. She really played well in the playoffs.”
Setter Kallie Strong and libero Hailey Wells were named to the second team.
Wells had a team-leading 311 digs, 34 aces and 20 kills. Strong, the team’s setter, had 439 assists, 38 kills, 26 aces and 120 digs.