Senior sendoff for Panther volleyball

Creston volleyball officially brought its 2018 campaign to a close at its banquet Wednesday in the Creston Community High School Commons.

Co-head coaches Mallory Peterson and Naomi Sharp talked about the growth the team made over the year and how crucial the three seniors were to the team’s overall mentality and foundation of the program.

For the second season in a row the Panthers lose three seniors as Megan Haley, Taylor Buxton and Bree Ross will depart in the spring.

Haley was the lone four-year letterwinner of the group.

All three seniors are looking to play volleyball in college and Buxton has already signed to continue her volleyball career at Southwestern Community College.

Ross surpassed 1,000 career assists over the course of her final season in which she had 555 assists.

“Coach (Sharp) and I feel like we made strides as a program and had success in that way,” said Peterson. “I want to thank our seniors and senior parents for a huge part of that success and that foundation we are building.”

Once again Creston netted two players on the Hawkeye 10 all-conference squad as Kesley Fields and MaKenna Hudson earn garnered honorable mention honors. Hudson received the award for the second year in a row.

The Panthers concluded the season with a 10-19 overall record after a first round postseason exit at the hands of Red Oak.

Creston once again battled in a brutally tough Hawkeye 10 conference which held Kuemper Catholic who went on to win the Class 3A state title. The Panthers picked up conference wins against Denison-Schleswig and Atlantic.

Peterson thanked the parents for their support all season long with food and travel.

Co-head coach Naomi Sharp announced at the banquet she will not be returning next season as co-head coach and JV coach in order to spend more time with family.

“It’s a really hard decision for me,” said Sharp. “It’s hard because I know you guys are going somewhere very special. These three seniors had a lot to do with where we are headed. ... I will still be cheering you on even if I’m not there every day.”

Awards and

accolades

All-Hawkeye 10 — Honorable Mention: Kelsey Fields, MaKenna Hudson.

Varsity letterwinners — Seniors: Megan Haley (4), Taylor Buxton (3), Bree Ross (3), Juniors: MaKenna Hudson (3), Emma Hanson (2), Sophomores: Kelsey Fields (2), Sam Dunphy (2), Rylie Driskell (1), Peyton Rice (1), Freshman: Brianna Fields (1).

Hawkeye 10 all-academic — Taylor Buxton, Megan Haley, Bree Ross.

Stat leaders

Kills — Kelsey Fields 226

Blocks — Emma Hanson 47

Digs — MaKenna Hudson 304

Assists — Bree Ross 555

Aces — Taylor Buxton 22

Serve percentage — Rylie Driskell 1.000 (72-72)

Teammate award — Josie Travis (Freshmen), Kaci Abildtrup (JV), Emma Hanson (Varsity).

Hustle & Grit award — Halle Evans (freshmen), Hannah Dryden (JV), MaKenna Hudson (Varsity).