Colfax V-net champions collect awards at banquet

Again seated at the head table with the state championship trophy located directly in front, Colfax volleyball players wrapped up the season last Thursday at the team banquet in the CHS cafeteria. The 2014 Colfax V-net team returned the state trophy to Colfax after another straight run of 12 game wins, three for each foe, on the way to the title at Yakima’s Sun Dome.

The express sweep at state matched the title run for the Bulldogs last year. Colfax also booked the 12 game run at state after going through the district and regional rounds with straight game sweeps.

The Bulldogs finished with a 33-2 record on the season. Their overall game tally for the year was 93-9 over the 35 matches.

The year marked a 20th top four finish for Colfax teams in the 2B and A division at state.

Coach Sue Doering noted a big factor for the Bulldogs this year was the depth off the bench. Doering said the ability of the Colfax bench crew to push the varsity was a big factor. She added she believed the Bulldog reserves on their own could have made a strong campaign in the NE league.

Doering said the Colfax team, with its passing and hitting game, pulled away from most foes after the 12 to 14 mark in most games. Opponents found they could not get a consistent run of hits on Colfax and usually faded before the 20-point mark.

Three seniors departing this year from the team were Kindra Kneale, Amara Huber and Kori Goodwin.

Huber, who was named as the most valuable player for the NE league at the district show at St. George’s, and Goodwin, who averaged 34 assists per match as the team’s setter, were co-winners of the most valuable player award which was determined by a team vote.

Junior Olivia Mellor was voted for the most inspirational award, and freshman Carmen Gfeller, who sharpened her kill hitting skills as the season advanced, was named most improved.

The three seniors received captain’s awards and also coaches’ award. Also receiving the coaches’ award were Mellor and Kasey Johnson, the senior hoop player who volunteered to rap shots at the girls during practice sessions this year.

Colfax Mayor Todd Vanek presented a key to the city necklace to Coach Doering who marked her 800th win this season. Mayor Vanek noted the impact Coach Doering has had on players who have been on her Bulldog teams since she arrived at Colfax in 1988.

Other varsity players were Ashtyn Aune, Kylie Gronning, Sidney Sheer, Morgan Lord, Scout Cai, Katelyn Scholz, juniors, and Taylor Garcia, sophomore.

Junior varsity coach Shawna Kneale presented certificates to Piper Cai, Abbie Miller, Josie Riebold, freshmen; Faith Markley, Lexie Smith and Parker Warwick, sophomores.

C squad Coach Casey Zander presented team awards to Jesz Durheim, Sarah Kraut, Goldie Akesson, Brooklyn Nickerson, Kiah Miller, Alison Dunning, Lexie Mackie, McKenna Davis, Chelsa Becker, Greta Geier and Isabel Erickson.