HUMBOLDT — Humboldt High’s volleyball team racked up wins aplenty this season, 31 to be precise, while advancing to the Class 3A Substate Semifinals.
Their prowess led Tri-Valley League coaches to honor a quartet of Lady Cubs.
Three, senior Kenisyn Hottenstein, junior Shelby Shaughnessy and sophomore Skylar Hottenstein, were named to the All-Tri-Valley League first team. Sophomore Ricklyn Hillmon received honorable mention.
“Our team would not have the success it had this year without these four girls,” Humboldt head coach Terry Meadows said. “Everyone on the team played a critical role, but these four athletes came up huge for us this season.”
Kenisyn Hottenstein, senior setter, averaged nearly 20 assists and more than five digs a match. She also served at a 95% clip with 48 aces.
“Kenisyn’s leadership on and off the court helped the team so much more than her volleyball skills. This year the team dynamics was the best it has been since I took over in 2016,” Meadows said.
Shaughnessy made the middle of the court her domain throughout the season. She racked up 401 kills, more than 10 a match, while hitting at a 37% clip. She also racked up 59 aces, 59 blocks and 339 digs on the season.
“Shelby’s ability to put the ball away and see the other side of the court is outstanding,” Meadows said. “She is not as vocal on the court as some of the others, but she does her part in leading the team and pulling everyone together. I can’t wait to see what she does next year and hopefully at the next level.”
Skylar Hottenstein, sophomore libero, had 590 digs this season, nearly 15 a match, while serving up 84 aces on 94% serving and had a passer rating of 2.39.
“Skylar Hottenstein is the best defensive player I have seen play high school volleyball in a long time,” Meadows said. “She reads the other team’s offense and gets in position, she will lay out for a ball with no hesitation and she will get them 90% of the time. Her hustle on the court is matched by no one and I am so glad she is only a sophomore. She has won us many games with her back row play and she can serve the ball very well. We are lucky to have her.”
Hillmon, sophomore middle, hammered home 245 kills, more than six per match, while blocking 43 shots on the season.
“Ricklyn is really turning into a great volleyball player,” Meadows said. “Her speed at the net is improving and she has long arms which helps her at the net. Her power is getting much better and I am glad that the other league coaches have noticed as well. She is a sophomore as well and is only going to get better. With her and Shelby leading the way at the net next year, I have high hopes for next season.”
