Imlay City’s Emma Sellers looks to block an Almont shot during a match this fall.
TRI-CITY AREA — They have set the standard for excellence with their play out on the court.
Here is a look at the 2020 edition of The Tri-City Times All-Area volleyball team and the credentials they amassed en route to those accolades:
Erin Boettcher, Dryden.
Boettcher provided Dryden with 307 kills during the 2020 campaign.
The 5-7 senior outside hitter also contributed 57 digs, 22 aces, 24 assisted blocks and eight solo blocks to Dryden’s cause.
This was her fourth year on Dryden’s varsity.
Boettcher concluded the 2020 campaign as an All-North Central Thumb League Stars Division first team selection.
Emma Sellers, Imlay City.
` Sellers registered 112 kills this fall.
The 5-10 middle hitter also collected 125 digs, notched a serve receive percentage of 92 and served at an 86 percent clip, including 18 ace serves.
This was her third season on Imlay City’s varsity.
Sellers, who has committed with Oakland Community College, wrapped up the year as an All-Blue Water Area Conference second team choice.
Becca Weiss, Dryden.
Weiss wound up with 670 assists for Dryden during the 2020 campaign.
The 5-6 junior setter also registered 55 kills, 50 aces, 18 digs and six blocks.
This was her second year on Dryden’s varsity.
Weiss wrapped up the 2020 campaign as an All-North Central Thumb League Stars Division honorable mention pick.
Abby Hurd, Dryden.
Hurd amassed 127 kills this fall.
The 5-7 senior outside/middle hitter also contributed 40 aces, seven digs, eight solo blocks and three assisted blocks to Dryden’s cause.
This was her second season on Dryden’s varsity.
Hurd finished the year as an All-North Central Thumb League Stars Division first team selection.
Lizzy Brandt, Almont.
Brandt provided Almont with 144 digs in Blue Water Area Conference play during the 2020 campaign.
The 5-6 junior libero also received 222 serves and notched 11 aces.
This was her second year on Almont’s varsity.
Brandt completed the 2020 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference second team choice.
Erin Paton, Dryden.
Paton amassed 58 digs this fall.
The 5-3 senior libero also contributed 36 aces, 32 set assists and 20 kills to Dryden’s cause.
This was her second season on Dryden’s varsity.
Paton ended the year as an All-North Central Thumb League Stars Division first team pick,
Abigail Thibodeau, Imlay City.
Thibodeau supplied 195 digs during the 2020 campaign.
The 5-4 senior libero also managed a serve receive percentage of 93 plus served at an 84 percent success rate, notching 23 aces along the way.
This was her third year on Imlay City’s varsity.
Thibodeau concluded the 2020 campaign as an All-Blue Water Area Conference honorable mention pick.
Cerenity Helzer, Capac.
Helzer supplied Capac with 136 kills this fall.
The 5-7 junior outside hitter also contributed 81 digs, 52 aces and seven blocks to Capac’s cause.
This was her second season on Capac’s varsity.
Helzer ended the year as an All-Greater Thumb Conference East honorable mention selection.
Second team- Avery Grondin, Dryden; Alyssa Daoud, Dryden; Natalie Giglio, Imlay City; Natalie Embree, Dryden; Meriah Mason, Capac; Julia Schaefer, Capac; Elly Schapman, Almont; Grace Koenig, Almont; Molleigh Rinke, Almont; and Hannah Landerschier, Almont.
Honorable mention- Ashley Hickmott, Dryden; Lexa Forti, Imlay City; Jaya Forti, Imlay City; and Kayla Rossen, Imlay City.
Coach of the Year- For directing Dryden to a 21-5 overall mark, a pacesetting 14-0 North Central Thumb League showing, a top Division 4 district finish and a second-place regional showing, Cardinal Coach Christopher Schenkel 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.
