Happy times for the RPAC's best in volleyball

The Southern Valley Eagles had plenty to celebrate after winning another RPAC championship in McCook Community College’s Graff Events Center last month.

Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

With four district finalist teams, there was plenty of talent to choose from for the all-Republican Plains Activities Conference volleyball teams this fall.

The East squad featured Southern Valley’s dynamite senior duo of 6’ middle hitter Lauryn Samuelson and 5’6” setter Grace Hogeland who led those Eagles to their second RPAC tourney title in three seasons.

Cambridge crusher Korynn “KoKo” Clason represented another talented Trojan squad on the first team. The Bertrand Vikings featured three selections — senior Jada High, junior Erin Boggs and sophomore Johanna Ford — en route to a state tournament match.

Alma senior Madison Shuller completed the RPAC East first team.

Meanwhile, three Southwest second-team selections punctuated an improved Roughrider season this fall.

Senior setter Jadyn Brooks, junior libero Allison Rippe — both listed at 5’2” — and 5’7” freshman hitter Caylin Barnett reached that second team.

Southern Valley senior Jennifer Moenning-Linden and Medicine Valley junior Acelyn Klein were also part of that all-RPAC lineup.

Other Gazette-area players earned honorable mention from RPAC coaches:

Senior outside hitters Terri Hilker from Arapahoe and Southern Valley’s Mandy Schoen; Medicine Valley senior middle hitter Sabra Schmidt and Raider sophomore outside-hitting teammate Kaylyn Roblee.

There even two freshman honorable mentions in Cambridge libero Brielle Miller and Southwest middle hitter Bailey Truksa.

The Cambridge Trojans and Southern Valley Eagles both won subdistrict titles before falling just one win short of state