PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Hannah Clancy, Thousand Oaks, Setter

The dynamic playmaker was a key reason why Thousand Oaks soared to a 27-3 season that included the program's second consecutive undefeated Marmonte League championship at 14-0. The 6-foot setter proved adept at involving her teammates, finding the hot hitter and invariably making the right choice. She was at her best in big matches, with 45 assists in a four-game victory over Moorpark and a combined 51 assists in a pair of three-game sweeps over arch rival Westlake. Clancy finished with 24 assists in a three-game win over Long Beach Jordan in the first round of the CIF-Southern Section Division I-AA playoffs. She was named the Marmonte League's MVP.

THE STAR’S FIRST TEAM

Maile Hetherington, Thousand Oaks, Outside hitter

On what was arguably the region's top team at 27-3, Hetherington was the top hitter. The 5-foot-10 senior outside hitter was a consistent threat for the Lancers, and a power in big matches. She notched double-figures in kills most matches, including in both Southern Section's Division I-AA playoff matches. The outside hitter became a vital peg in back-to-back undefeated Marmonte League seasons, and this year's 27-3 campaign. The first-team all-Marmonte League choice is also on the scholar-athlete's list at Thousand Oaks. She will next play volleyball collegiately at Sacred Heart University.

Michelle Ketter, Westlake, Outside hitter

Only a junior, Ketter led her team in kills, and, well, leadership. She was the floor captain and MVP for a team that finished 20-6 and placed second in the Marmonte League. The 5-foot-11 outside hitter ended up with 337 kills, 180 digs and 47 aces. In averaging 4.3 kills per game, she had some monster nights, including 24 kills vs. Long Beach Millikan in the first round of the Division I-AA playoffs. She notched 23 kills against Moorpark and 24 kills against Royal. Ketter even had four aces against state champion Mira Costa.

Rachael Kidder, Moorpark, Outside hitter

How good is Kidder? So good that she committed to the UCLA women's program before her junior season. The 6-foot-2 outside hitter ranks among the top hitters in the region, and has the numbers to prove it. As an 11th-grader, she racked up 344 kills, and is already the program's all-time leader in kills with 744 in three seasons. Kidder, also an avid beach volleyball and club player, finishes up her junior season as a first-team, all-Marmonte League selection. She excels in the classroom too, as evidenced by her Principals' Award this year.

Brittney Messier, Oak Park, Libero

The libero position was seemingly created for Messier. Or, actually, she played it like she created the position. The 5-foot-4 senior racked up 375 digs and ranked among the top players in the nation for her serve-receive skills. She ended fifth in California and No. 18 in the nation in that clutch statistic. Messier's standout play was a key reason why the Eagles ended up 19-6, placed second in the rugged Tri-Valley League and reached the quarterfinals of the CIF-Southern Section Division III-AA playoffs. Messier, a first-team, all-league selection, also is on the National Honor Roll with a 4.2 grade point average. She's undecided on a college choice.

Tessa Reeder, Oxnard, Outside hitter

The latest in a distinguished number of top Yellowjackets, Reeder was a key reason why Oxnard won its 10th consecutive Pacific View League championship. The 5-foot-7 senior outside hitter collected 120 kills, 87 digs, 13 aces, three blocks and two aces as Oxnard notched an undefeated league season. A model of consistency, Reeder also was clutch under pressure. She notched 24 kills in a first-round loss to Laguna Hills in the Southern Section playoffs. At season's end, Reeder was named a co-MVP in the Pacific View League. She also stars in the classroom with her 4.26 grade point average.

Jacki Richards, Buena, Opposite

The 5-foot-8 opposite teamed with fellow seniors Stephanie Kroll and Brooke Anglin to form a trio of stars for the Bulldogs. Richards was at the forefront, collecting 120 kills with an impressive kill percentage of 41.7 percent. She also notched 82 digs, 20 blocks and 18 service aces to place herself among the regions' most versatile performers. The two-time varsity captain is a first-team all-Channel League selection, and the winner of a number of academic awards. She has been a Honor Roll student all four years. Richards is leaning toward attending the University of La Verne.