All-Area volleyball, small schools: Kristen Reid helps Lake Worth Christian finally get over state-title hump

Friday, December 23, 2011

LARGE SCHOOLS VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

By JEFF GREER

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

In the middle of the season, Lake Worth Christian didn't look so hot.

The Defenders weren't bad - the traditional powerhouse never puts out a bad volleyball squad - but they were young, inexperienced and taking some lumps.

Their coach, veteran Terri Kaiser, called it one of her tougher but more enjoyable coaching challenges in her extensive career. But she also said there were a few girls she could rely on when the others were in need of instruction.

At the top of that list was Kristen Reid, a junior outside hitter whose presence around the net was a constant nuisance to opponents.

Teamed with fellow junior Amanda King and senior libero Kristin Kintz, Reid led a very young Lake Worth Christian team to the state championship. Kaiser had coached Lake Worth Christian to 11 state tournaments, but had never won the title until this November.

Reid was at the center of it all.

She finished the season with 484 kills, 263 service points and 85 aces, but she saved the best for last.

When her team needed it most - in the state title match - Reid had 29 kills.

She came through, just like her teammates needed her to all season long.

SMALL SCHOOLS VOLLEYBALL FIRST TEAM

Kristin Kintz

Lake Worth Christian

Libero, Senior

Senior leader for Defenders posted 629 digs for the state champs.

Amanda King

Lake Worth Christian

Setter, Junior

Multi-talented junior played several roles for Defenders, tallying 649 assists and 175 kills.

Emma Rocha

Pope John Paul II

Setter, Senior

Steady-handed senior had 743 assists and 250 digs for region finalists.

Dani Chiste

Pope John Paul II

Outside hitter, Senior

All-around player had 300 kills and 242 digs, plus 61 aces.

Courtney Kaiser

St. Andrew's

Middle blocker, Senior

Posted 134 kills and 75 blocks for the district-winning Scots.

Anna Dwyer

Benjamin

Setter, Senior

Team leader on quality Benjamin team that won its district and reached the region semifinals.

Samantha Evans

King's Academy

Setter, Senior

Repeat first-teamer had 578 assists, 220 digs and 150 kills for the Lions.

SMALL SCHOOLS VOLLEYBALL SECOND TEAM

CARLY MICHAEL, Cardinal Newman, Senior, Outside hitter

Talented senior played key part for Crusaders' regional quarterfinal team.

LAUREN MIKO, Pope John Paul II, Junior, Outside hitter

Tallied 315 kills, 89 digs and 50 aces for a very good Pope team.

ELIZABETH OWENS, Lake Worth Christian, Freshman, Middle blocker

Steadily improved over the season, finishing with 189 kills and 43 blocks.

SOFIA SANCHEZ, Summit Christian, Sophomore, Middle blocker

Tough middle finished with 198 kills, 179 digs and 108 service points.

KAYLEE ANDERSON, Summit Christian, Junior, Outside hitter

Dynamic player posted 196 kills and 146 digs.

TAYLOR PAK, American Heritage, Sophomore, Setter

Do-it-all setter had 502 assists, 316 digs, 91 blocks and 83 kills.

JESSICA ARMSTRONG, Benjamin, Sophomore, Middle blocker

Played quality central role on Benjamin's talented front line.

SMALL SCHOOLS VOLLEYBALL HONORABLE MENTION

American Heritage - Sam Fuchs, Cynta Hritz; Berean Christian - Alison Flinn; Boca Christian - Kimmy Hummel, Amanda Lake; Cardinal Newman - Keelin Severtson; Glades Day - Danielle Dison, Donna Lewis; Jupiter Christian - Jenna Carlyle, Rachel Dunlay; Lake Worth Christian – Emily Lampman, Missy Reid; Pope John Paul II - Kaitey Dages, Amanda Evanicki; St. Andrew's - Sarah Adams, Allie Russo, Macie Tendrich; Summit Christian - Michelle Chambers, Jessica Sanchez; Trinity Christian - Kelli Weiz.

SMALL SCHOOLS VOLLEYBALL COACH OF THE YEAR

TERRI KAISER

Lake Worth Christian

Surpassed the 500-career wins mark and won her first state championship in 11 tries.