(TRINIDAD, CO) – With the end of each athletic season comes a chance to look back at what went well, what didn't, what needs to change in the future, and of course, it gives you a chance to honor those athletes that excelled. Region IX volleyball is split into North and South divisions, with the champion of each representing the region in the NJCAA national tournament in November. This year it was Northwest College and Western Nebraska taking the top honors. The divisions also vote on their respective All-Region teams. One Trojan player excelled enough on the court to be named to the 2016 All-Region South squad – Madeline Hagedorn.
Hagedorn, a sophomore from Victoria, British Columbia, played 33 matches for the Trojans. She averaged almost three kills per set with an impressive 278 kills for the season. She also had 345 digs and 26 aces.
"Maddy has been a two year starter for the TSJC Trojan Volleyball team," commented Coach Melissa Hardman. "She worked hard on and off the court. She was a six rotation player."
The Trojans wrapped up the season with a deceptive 6-31 record. It is deceptive because TSJC was competitive in almost every outing, taking many teams to five set breaking points, only to fall short at the final whistle. The Trojans will lose sophomores Hagedorn, Kaitlyn Smith, Natalia McKnight, Teryn Mills and Jolinalynn Achiu. The plus side will be the return of many key players for next season. Some of those returning for the Trojans will be setters Alicia Hall and Priscilla Sanchez who combined for 1039 assists this season, and middles Detrianna Richardson and Kaitlann Brown who combined for 143 blocks.
"The sophomores will be missed for their hard work on and off the court," said Hardman. "Our season didn't go the way we wanted it to, but everyone is ready to jump on board and put in work for 2017. We will have a strong sophomore class next year and they are ready to be leaders!"
Coach Hardman will enter her third season with a strong class of returners and a promising freshman group. Look for good things from Trojan Volleyball in 2017.
2016 Region IX Volleyball team
Barbara Rabanal Briceno Western Nebraska CC
Lara Picht Western Nebraska CC
Victoria Macaluso Northeastern JC
Beatriz Palmieri de Souza Otero JC
Brooke Kaawa Western Nebraska CC
Karina Erreguin Otero JC
Aijahnae Springs McCook CC
Madeline Hagedorn Trinidad State JC
Regan Shaffer Northeastern JC
Kyra Mix Northeastern JC
Andreia Bomfim Lamar CC
Kaylee Spreier Western Nebraska CC
Abbey Wehrman Otero JC
Larissa Francisco Lamar CC
Tanaia Hansen Lamar CC