Eight PC players named to all-CVC team

The Central Valley Conference volleyball coaches announced their postseason honors on Wednesday and eight players from Porterville College were recognized.

The 2012 All-CVC First Team included outside hitter Amanda Monge, middle blocker Allison Clem, and freshman setter Samantha Sawyer.

Monge’s kill per game average (4.90) ranked second in the state, and first among all Northern California players.

Sawyer ranked second in CVC assists (9.44 per game) and sixth in the North.

Clem was honorable mention last season as a freshman.

The Second Team included libero Kacey Markarian and freshman outside hitter Nayeli Colunga, while the honorable mention list included outside hitter Danielle Carrillo, defensive specialist Laura Jaggers, and freshman middle blocker Taylor Ball.

The Pirates had as many players honored as CVC champion Fresno City College.

“To have eight players honored is a great accomplishment for our program,” said coach Dale Henderson.

“We have turned the corner on now being a perennial power. I’m proud of our players’ recognition, and my fellow head coaches had great things to say about our program as a whole. It was a great regular season. Now, it’s time for the playoffs.”

Henderson said the Pirates could be seeded as high as No. 6 – where the team is currently ranked in Northern California. The new No. 16 state ranking is also the highest in school history.

“We are hoping for a top eight seed, where we can host a first round playoff match,” he said. “That is the next huge step for our program. It’s our best chance to advance and earn a spot in the Elite Eight.”

Playoff pairings will be announced on Sunday afternoon. The opening round of the playoffs is next Tuesday.

The Pirates are continuing to practice during the week, as Henderson and his staff attend high school volleyball playoffs matches for recruiting.