Jocelynn Everage, McAllen Memorial — Jocelynn Everage was exceptional in her senior season for the Mustangs. She had 533 kills, 291 digs and 29 solo blocks to help the Mustangs go 14-0 in district 30-6A for her first outright championship.
Sydney Marburger, McAllen Memorial — With 1,101 assists during the Mustangs 40-1 season, Sydney Marburger isn’t a newcomer anymore, she’s a force. The Monitor’s 2017 All-area newcomer of the year took the Mustangs back into the sweet 16 after securing a 14-0 district record and outright 30-6A championship.
Lexi Gonzalez, McAllen High — Lexi Gonzalez’s transition into the team’s primary hitter was strong, and it got better with time. She finished the season with 662 kills and reached 1,000 in her career. She had 23 kills in their bi-district round victory over Laredo LBJ and 27 in McHi’s win over Harlingen South. In their season-ending match against Laredo United she hit home a season-high 39 kills.
Natalie Rodriguez, Edinburg North — In her senior year, Rodriguez had 375 kills with a .225 hitting percentage. She added 350 digs and the Cougars earned a share of the District 31-6A crown.
Paloma Ybarra, Edcouch-Elsa — Ybarra made the move to setter and the Edcouch-Elsa Yellow Jackets never looked back as they wrapped up their first district crown since the 2015 season. Ybarra did it all for her team recording 398 kills, 346 assists, 339 digs and 49 aces.
Jackie Howell, Mission Veterans — Jackie Howell was honored for her play by MaxPreps/American Volleyball Coaches Associations with a Texas Player of the Week (Oct. 1-7). Howell was special in her senior season, hitting home 745 kills as the Patriots won their fourth straight undefeated district championship.
The Monitor’s All-Area Second Team
Victoria Fuentes, Edinburg High — The Bobcats junior hitter was valuable as she led her young team through a competitive district and a share of the 31-6A title. Fuentes had 384 kills, 101 blocks, 81 digs along with 34 aces.
Demy Banks, McAllen Memorial — In 128 sets played, Banks recorded 101 blocks to help the Mustangs finish in first place in 30-6A and surge to the fourth round of the playoffs. Her presence in the middle was key to Memorial’s success as the last team standing in the postseason.
Celina Saenz, McAllen High — Saenz joined the Bulldogs ranks midway through the season. The freshman was ready for the bright lights, giving her team a boost
Kassy Lerma, Mission Veterans — Kassy Lerma gave opponents a third person to worry about when going up against the Patriots. The middle blocker sent back 151 total blocks, 81 were solo blocks. Lerma also hit home 380 kills.
Nicole Rodriguez, Donna High — Rodriguez put home 411 kills, 33 aces and 76 solo blocks as Donna finished third in 32-5A and won a bi-district contest against
Julia Cordon, Edinburg Vela — Cordon had 1,209 digs (31 per match) on her way to 31-6A libero of the year honors. She helped her team to a share of the 31-6A championship.
RGVSports.com final top 10, overall record, district, previous rank
McAllen Memorial 40-4, 14-0, No. 2
Mission Veterans 29-5, 14-0, No. 1
McAllen High 41-6, 11-3, No. 3
McAllen Rowe 32-13, 11-3, No. 4
Brownsville Hanna 11-13, 6-2, No. 6
Edcouch-Elsa 30-11, 13-11, No. 5
Donna High 30-12, 11-3, UR
Los Fresnos 35-9, 9-1, No 7
Brownsville Rivera 24-14, 4-6, UR
Brownsville Veterans 31-15, 11-2, No. 8