NewsAthleticsUpper SchoolStudent LifeFaculty/StaffService
Student athletes make All-Area teams
Nov 29, 2004 8:00 AM
By Tannika King - Faculty
Hard work paid off for Darlington softball and volleyball players named to this year’s Rome News-Tribune All-Area teams.
Seniors Megan Cordle and Haley Tallent were selected in softball.
As reported by the newspaper, despite playing in pain caused by shin splits, Cordle batted .343 and compiled a .938 fielding percentage at shortstop. Coach Gus Bell said that Cordle, who had surgery after the season, was “an inspiration, and deserved a Purple Heart award.”
Tallent, who was recognized for earning her third straight team MVP award and second consecutive All-Area honor, was described as the Lady Tigers’ pitching ace and offensive catalyst. On the mound, she posted eight victories, including a no-hitter against Rabun Gap. Offensively, she led Darlington in hits, runs, doubles and RBI.
Junior Brittni Dulaney and freshmen Kaycie Bevis, Kate Waters and Jennifer Watford earned honorable mentions.
In volleyball, sophomores Alicia Wright, Michelle Picon and Polly Roberts were selected.
Wright, a middle blocker who was also named this year’s Rome News-Tribune Volleyball Player of the Year, was called “the best hitter in Greater Rome this season.” She led the Lady Tigers with 339 kills and 45 blocks, was second on the team in aces (78) and third in digs (164).
“Alicia had to make a change in the middle of the season and play both the front and back row for us,” said Coach Jim Linos. “She responded by stepping it up in all areas of her game. Without Alicia, there’s no way we would’ve finished in a tie for the Area 6-AA/A Title or gone to the state tournament. She became the physical leader on the court for us.”
Wright had nearly 40 percent of Darlington’s attacks this season and still led the team with a .136 attack percentage. She also made the All-Area 6-AA/A Team and was First Team All-Tournament at two other tournaments in which the School played.
Picon, a setter, had 479 assists, the most among players in Greater Rome. She also added 92 digs, 30 kills and 24 aces, and was one of just three Lady Tigers players to play in every game of every match this season, according to the Rome News-Tribune.
“Michelle helped us make a quick transition from last year’s team to earning a state playoff berth this season,” said Linos. “She learned very quickly and did a great job for us this season.”
Roberts, an outside hitter/opposite, was second on the team in kills (87) and digs (170) and third in aces (67). She also led the team in passing efficiency, as 85 percent of her serve receives and digs were turned into sets.
“Polly is a tough competitor who always plays hard,” said Linos. “She was one of our primary passers and hitters all season.”
Senior Natsuko Kiyoshi, junior Maritza Mendoza and sophomore Hannah Tillman received honorable mentions.
Seniors Megan Cordle and Haley Tallent were selected in softball.
As reported by the newspaper, despite playing in pain caused by shin splits, Cordle batted .343 and compiled a .938 fielding percentage at shortstop. Coach Gus Bell said that Cordle, who had surgery after the season, was “an inspiration, and deserved a Purple Heart award.”
Tallent, who was recognized for earning her third straight team MVP award and second consecutive All-Area honor, was described as the Lady Tigers’ pitching ace and offensive catalyst. On the mound, she posted eight victories, including a no-hitter against Rabun Gap. Offensively, she led Darlington in hits, runs, doubles and RBI.
Junior Brittni Dulaney and freshmen Kaycie Bevis, Kate Waters and Jennifer Watford earned honorable mentions.
In volleyball, sophomores Alicia Wright, Michelle Picon and Polly Roberts were selected.
Wright, a middle blocker who was also named this year’s Rome News-Tribune Volleyball Player of the Year, was called “the best hitter in Greater Rome this season.” She led the Lady Tigers with 339 kills and 45 blocks, was second on the team in aces (78) and third in digs (164).
“Alicia had to make a change in the middle of the season and play both the front and back row for us,” said Coach Jim Linos. “She responded by stepping it up in all areas of her game. Without Alicia, there’s no way we would’ve finished in a tie for the Area 6-AA/A Title or gone to the state tournament. She became the physical leader on the court for us.”
Wright had nearly 40 percent of Darlington’s attacks this season and still led the team with a .136 attack percentage. She also made the All-Area 6-AA/A Team and was First Team All-Tournament at two other tournaments in which the School played.
Picon, a setter, had 479 assists, the most among players in Greater Rome. She also added 92 digs, 30 kills and 24 aces, and was one of just three Lady Tigers players to play in every game of every match this season, according to the Rome News-Tribune.
“Michelle helped us make a quick transition from last year’s team to earning a state playoff berth this season,” said Linos. “She learned very quickly and did a great job for us this season.”
Roberts, an outside hitter/opposite, was second on the team in kills (87) and digs (170) and third in aces (67). She also led the team in passing efficiency, as 85 percent of her serve receives and digs were turned into sets.
“Polly is a tough competitor who always plays hard,” said Linos. “She was one of our primary passers and hitters all season.”
Senior Natsuko Kiyoshi, junior Maritza Mendoza and sophomore Hannah Tillman received honorable mentions.
