GALT, CA (MPG) - The Liberty Ranch Hawks volleyball program celebrated Senior Night last week, honoring five players who have been instrumental in building the program’s success. Seniors Riley Sickels, Ava Van Warmerdam, Haley Smith, Savannah Lethbridge and Bailey Alcoriza were recognized before the match for their contributions to the team.

The Hawks finished third in league standings this season, capping a competitive campaign in the Sierra Valley Conference.

Leading the way statistically was senior outside hitter Haley Smith, who dominated in nearly every category. Smith led the team with 341 kills while averaging 4.4 kills per set, the highest mark on the squad. She also paced the Hawks with 349 digs and 4.5 digs per set, showcasing her all-around excellence. Smith’s 35 serving aces topped the team, and she averaged 0.4 aces per set. Her .223 hitting percentage was the team’s best, and she added 28 total blocks and led all players with 461 receptions. Smith’s versatility and leadership made her the cornerstone of the Hawks’ attack throughout the season.

Senior middle hitter Ava Van Warmerdam anchored the Hawks’ defense at the net, recording a team-high 34 total blocks. Her presence in the middle was a constant challenge for opposing hitters and provided a crucial defensive element for Liberty Ranch.

Senior Savannah Lethbridge, playing middle hitter and middle blocker, contributed 49 kills while adding 31 total blocks, second on the team. Her ability to score and defend made her a valuable two-way player for the Hawks.

Seniors Riley Sickels and Bailey Alcoriza also played important roles in the team’s success throughout the season, providing leadership and experience to a squad that featured several talented underclassmen.

Junior libero Lily Pittman was a defensive force, leading the team with 367 digs and averaging 4.8 digs per set. She also contributed 400 receptions and 52 assists, demonstrating her all-around floor game. Junior setter Maritza Arevalo orchestrated the offense with a team-high 340 assists while adding 175 digs and averaging 2.6 digs per set. Junior setter Gabriela Garcia provided additional playmaking with 195 assists and led the team with 0.5 aces per set, finishing with 32 total aces.

Junior opposite hitter Vivian Frame was the second-leading scorer with 122 kills and 1.6 kills per set, posting a .134 hitting percentage. Freshman Lacey Smith, playing outside hitter and opposite, showed promise for the future with 1.2 kills per set. Junior defensive specialist Daphne Najar contributed 21 serving aces, averaging 0.4 aces per set, and recorded 118 receptions.

As the five seniors move on from Liberty Ranch volleyball, they leave behind a legacy of hard work and a third-place league finish. With a strong core of returning juniors and emerging freshmen, the Hawks appear well-positioned to build on this season’s success in the years ahead.