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GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: VOL digs Manteca's libero
Fourth-year starter Abbey Kadillak named league MVP
All-VOL Volleyball
Abbey Kadillak delivers the pass in Manteca’s Valley Oak League home match against Sierra on Sept. 30. - photo by SEAN KAHLER

Manteca had one of its best girls volleyball teams in program history this past fall.

The Buffaloes were so deep with talent, versatility and experience that it was rare for individuals to shine on a given night. Veteran libero Abbey Kadillak did manage to stand out for the season, however, leading the Buffs with her steady play, production and leadership. Rival coaches took notice, voting her as the All-Valley Oak League MVP.

All-VOL Volleyball
Manteca middle blocker Karlie Spohn goes unchallenged at the net against visiting East Union on Sept. 20. - photo by SEAN KAHLER
Committed to Sac State, Kadillak is joined by fellow MHS seniors Arielle Chandler, Karlie Spohn and Adriana Powell on the all-league team. Manteca earned a piece of its 10th all-time league championship with an 11-1 record, sharing the crown with Central Catholic. Overall, the Buffs went 26-8, reached the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III semifinals and the California Interscholastic Federation NorCal Regionals.

Central Catholic outside hitter McKinley King earned the Most Outstanding honor.

“Abbey was a leader on the court and a very special player,” Manteca coach Robin Chandler said. “She has loved the sport of volleyball since sixth grade, and it shows in her hard work and dedication to the sport. Sac State will be lucky to have her.”

Kadillak is one of two fourth-year varsity starters on the team along with Spohn. The defensive specialist amassed a team-high 513 digs (5.2 per game, 15.1 per match) and 101 service aces. She was an all-league first-team selection as a sophomore two years ago.

Spohn finished as the Buffaloes’ block leader with 94 total (42 solo). She also pounded 246 kills (2.9 per set). Chandler handled much of the setting duties, dealing 789 assists (8.4 per set), 166 digs and 70 aces. She and Spohn are first-team selections.

Powell made the All-VOL second team but was one of the league’s top all-around players, recording a team-best 267 kills (2.9 per set), 61 aces and 226 digs.

All-VOL Volleyball
Sierra setter Rebecca Thomson distributes the ball in a Valley Oak League contest against East Union on Sept. 21. - photo by Wayne Thallander
Sierra setter Rebecca Thomson made the All-VOL first team after anchoring the Timberwolves’ first run to the postseason since 2010. The T’wolves finished 7-5 in league and 8-8 overall.

Weston Ranch middle Siyah Grigsby rounds out student-athletes from area schools who made the All-VOL first team.  East Union’s Meritiana Luani and Jenna Dalen of Sierra were picked for the second team.

Earning honorable mention were East Union’s Donnese Payne, Manteca’s Camrenne Genilla, Sierra’s Zoe Kossart and Weston Ranch’s Jannele Ico.