Douglass named Player of the Year

Kaity Douglass was named Player of the Year for the Sky-Em Conference and was one of four Lady Outlaws to earn all-league recognition this year.

Douglass, a team captain, has been a crucial part of the Outlaws' success the past three years, and she's got the stats to prove it. Kaity recorded 406 assists in league play for 2010 and had 93 digs on the season. She's the leader on the court and dished out almost every set in the 5-1 offense that the Outlaws run. She has a 98 percent serving record which includes 23 aces. Added to that, Douglass racked up 31 kills and 15 stuff blocks in league play.

"Kaity is very deserving of this award," said Coach Diane Bremer. "She has a unique makeup that is appropriate amounts of competitiveness, respect for the game and her teammates and talent as a setter, and work ethic. I have coached Kaity for three years at the varsity level and she truly is a key component to our success the last three years. She is a levelheaded 'gamer' - grace under pressure. She was spoken well of by the coaches in our league and earned their respect and their vote for this honor."

Also receiving first team all-league recognition was junior libero Sydney Stoneback and sophomore middle blocker Megan Minke.

Stoneback, in her new role as libero this season, racked up a team-high 177 digs. Sydney also was 93 percent from the service line.

"Syd is so solid in the back row, and her mental toughness sets the bar high for our entire defense," stated Bremer. "She made some incredible saves for us this season and is really a rock for her teammates. She adds her name to an impressive list of Outlaws volleyball history. The Sisters libero has been voted first team all-league since the inception of the libero position." (The libero is a defensive specialist that is not limited by rules of rotation).

Minke, a second-year varsity player, was the Outlaws' kill leader and was a dominant force at the net. She recorded 87 kills, 29 stuff blocks and was 89 percent from the service line with 13 aces.

Bremer said, "Megs is a strong, powerful hitter and she holds her own nicely in the backrow defensively while serving for us. Megs is a great team player and encourager of those around her. She will be fun to watch the next two years."

Rounding out the all-league players is captain and senior defensive specialist Marisa Calavan. Marisa logged 81 digs in league and was 90 percent from the service line with 12 aces.

"Marisa took her game to a new level this year," said Bremer. "She has also been playing front row as well and excelling there with her impressive vertical jump reach. Marisa is a team captain and a positive role model. She's a happy-hearted young lady and leads by example."

To top it off, Diane Bremer was named Coach of the Year. Bremer coached the Lady Outlaws to a perfect 10-0 record in league and looks to lead them deep into the post-season.

"It has been a joy to lead this selfless group of young women on this journey," said Bremer. "They come out every day and give everything they have to what I ask of them. It makes my job so much fun to do! My assistant coaches, Becky Bremer and Janice Harrer, have contributed in so many ways to our program and I greatly appreciate

them."