Am I the only one who would have paid to see the Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and Nansemond River girls volleyball teams square off for some sort of unofficial Suffolk championship? That would be an out and out war! Can you imagine a serving battle between Minka Foster and Sarah McDonald? Would Michelle Boucher manage to whack a few kills past the River defense, or would they be able to knock them up for April Hines to give right back? Who’s a better setter, Sara Brooks or Kristen Nuckles? Ah, the possibilities….

Player of the Year

Rachel Bailor, King’s Fork

The ideal player for a program getting started. Every team needs a leader on the court, and for a squad that’s not only just two seasons old, but is coming off a winless season, that’s even more important. Bailor evolved into one of the district’s top total packages, serving, spiking and setting, and her team got its first-ever win, first-ever Southeastern District win, and first-ever intra-Suffolk win, by defeating Lakeland. Sounds like the best anyone could have asked for.

First team

Minka Foster, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

Michelle Boucher, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

April Hines, Nansemond River

Shannon Andy, Nansemond River

Cherelle Shelton, Lakeland

Brynn Willig, King’s Fork

Second team

Ellen Giermak, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

Kirsten Nuckles, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy

Gillian Giarrizzo, King’s Fork

Sarah McDonald, Nansemond River

Britney Pulliam, Nansemond River

Maurissa Slocum, Lakeland