Dryden’s Erin Boettcher returns a shot during a match this past season.
TRI-CITY AREA — From the opening match until the final point hit the floor, these players set the standard for excellence with their play out on the court.
Here is a look at the 2019 edition of The Tri-City Times All-Area volleyball squad and the numbers they generated en route:
Erin Boettcher, Dryden.
Boettcher finished with 242 kills this fall.
The 5-7 junior outside/middle hitter also provided 66 digs, registered 59 aces, supplied 19 blocks and managed 17 assists.
This marked her third season on Dryden’s squad.
She wrapped up the year as an All-North Central Thumb League Stars Division first team selection.
Boettcher also was named the recipient of her team’s MVP Award.
Madison Stofcheck, Dryden.
Stofcheck provided 86 kills during the 2019 campaign.
The 5-7 senior outside hitter/middle hitter also contributed 55 aces, 44 digs, six assists and five blocks to Dryden’s cause.
This was her second year on Dryden’s varsity.
She ended the 2019 campaign as an All-North Central Thumb League Stars Division first team choice.
Stofcheck also was chosen as the recipient of her team’s Best Offensive Player Award.
Baylee Wetzel, Imlay City.
Wetzel wound up with 418 assists this fall.
The 5-10 senior setter also collected 215 service points, accumulated 61 aces, plus supplied one solo and 13 assisted blocks.
This marked her second season on Imlay City’s squad.
She concluded the year as an All-Blue Water Area Conference honorable mention pick.
Ella Kage, Dryden.
Kage amassed 284 assists as one of Dryden’s primary playmakers during the 2019 campaign.
The 5-0 junior also contributed 42 aces, 24 digs and 14 kills to Dryden’s cause.
This was her third year on Dryden’s varsity.
She ended the 2019 campaign as an All-North Central Thumb League Stars Division second team pick.
Kage also was named the recipient of her team’s Coaches Award.
Emma Sellers, Imlay City.
Sellers supplied 190 kills this fall.
The 5-10 junior middle hitter also collected 163 service points, featuring 37 aces, plus contributed 93 digs to go along with 20 solo and 31 assisted blocks.
This marked her second season on Imlay City’s squad.
Rachael Schapman, Almont.
Schapman amassed 306 kills during the 2019 campaign.
The 5-11 senior middle hitter also registered 99 blocks and collected 55 aces.
This was her third year on Almont’s varsity.
She concluded the 2019 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference second team selection.
Becca Weiss, Dryden.
Weiss collected 296 assists as one of Dryden’s offensive catalysts this fall.
The 5-6 sophomore setter also registered 42 aces, collected 37 kills and managed two blocks.
This marked her first year on Dryden’s squad.
She completed the year as an All-North Central Thumb League Stars Division second team choice.
Sofija Matovska, Almont.
Matovska wound up with 591 assists during the 2019 campaign.
She also contributed 37 aces and 21 blocks to Almont’s cause.
This was her second year on Almont’s varsity.
She ended the 2019 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference honorable mention pick.
Kallan Ruhala, Almont.
Ruhala registered 262 digs this fall.
The 5-7 senior libero also provided Almont with 518 serve receptions, 24 aces and 12 kills.
This marked her third season on Almont’s squad.
She concluded the year as an All-Blue Water Area Conference honorable mention choice.
Alexis Bruman, Capac.
Bruman furnished 169 kills during the 2019 campaign.
The 5-8 senior outside hitter also collected 121 digs, registered 44 aces and supplied 14 blocks.
This was her third year on Capac’s varsity.
She wrapped up the 2019 campaign as an All-Greater Thumb Conference East Division honorable mention choice.
Second team- Fay Abdelnour, Capac; Abigail Thibodeau, Imlay City; Rylee Dingwell, Imlay City; Erin Paton, Dryden; Abby Hurd, Dryden; Cerenity Helzer, Capac; and Meriah Mason, Capac.
Coach of the Year- For directing Dryden to a pacesetting 10-0 North Central Thumb League Stars Division record, an 18-6 overall and a top district finish, Cardinal Coach Jill Grusnick earns Tri-City Times All-Area Coach of the Year accolades.
Kevin Kissane has been covering high school sports for the Tri-City Times since 1985. When not standing on a field or court with his camera and notepad, he enjoys golf, travel and family. Kevin is a 1980 graduate of Capac High School, and is also a grad of St. Clair Community College and earned a degree in journalism from Central Michigan University.
