Player of the Year: Karly Patton, Wellsville

Patton led the Eagles to a 31-11 record and their second straight trip to the Class 3A state tournament. The 6-foot junior outside hitter led her team with 412 kills and 384 digs, earning first-team all-state and Pioneer League honors. Patton added 37 blocks and 44 aces.

Coach of the Year: Tiffany Parker, Tonganoxie

The Chieftains earned a spot in the Class 4A-I state tournament for the first time since 2007, finishing in fourth place with wins over Andale and Wellington. Tonganoxie ended the season with a 29-14 record, led by All-Kaw Valley League selections Emily Hummelgaard, Lauren Jackson and Lauren Willson.

The 2015 Journal-World All-Area Volleyball Team, from left: Makaila Garcia, Eudora; Taylor Hodge, Bishop Seabury; Suzie Forbes, Santa Fe Trail; Caroline Dykes, Lawrence; Player of the Year Karly Patton, Wellsville; Coach of the Year Tiffany Parker, Tonganoxie; Naomi Hickman, Free State; Kylie Corneliusen, De Soto; Lauren Jackson, Tonganoxie; Aubri Hinkle, De Soto; Sara Boyden, Perry-Lecompton.

First team

Sara Boyden, Perry-Lecompton — A first-team All-Big 7 selection, Boyden was among the state leaders with 585 digs this season. The senior libero owns the school record with 837 digs in her career, and she helped the Kaws to a 21-19 record and a spot in the sub-state title game.

Kylie Corneliusen, De Soto — An athletic defensive specialist, Corneliusen led the Wildcats with 485 digs, an average of 5.1 digs per set. The Neosho County Community College commit had 37 aces and was a first-team All-Frontier League selection.

Caroline Dykes, Lawrence — Dykes led the Lions with 196 kills, 28 aces and 27 blocks this season, adding 105 digs. A first-team All-Sunflower League pick for the second straight year, Dykes has signed to play at Missouri Science and Technology.

Suzie Forbes, Santa Fe Trail — Forbes received an all-state honorable mention after leading the Chargers to fourth place at the 4A-II state tournament. The 5-foot-5 senior led her team with 231 kills and 35 aces, picking up first-team All-NEKL honors.

Makaila Garcia, Eudora — Garcia led the Cardinals in several offensive categories with 323 kills and a .494 hitting efficiency, helping her team to a 25-13 record. The senior racked up 109 blocks this season (15 solo), the third-most in school history.

Naomi Hickman, Free State — For the second straight season, Hickman picked up first-team All-Sunflower League honors. The 6-foot-4 junior middle blocker, a Creighton commit, led the Firebirds to a 23-17 record with 232 kills, a .343 hitting efficiency and 70 blocks.

Aubri Hinkle, De Soto — Hinkle sparked the Wildcats to a 25-13 record this season, dominating at the net with 326 kills, 36 blocks and a .267 hitting efficiency. The 5-foot-10 senior outside hitter was an all-state honorable mention and was second on the team with 276 digs.

Taylor Hodge, Bishop Seabury — Hodge helped the Seahawks to a 24-15 record this season and was a part of the winningest class in school history. A 5-foot-6 middle hitter, she compiled 252 kills, 327 digs and 116 aces this year and owns six single-season school records.

Lauren Jackson, Tonganoxie — A second-team all-state pick, Jackson was a dominant setter for the Chieftains, recording 1,026 assists, 178 kills and 110 digs. The senior created a balanced offensive attack with six teammates recording more than 100 kills.

Honorable mention

Ellen Almanza, Bishop Seabury; Emma Burnett, Baldwin; Kristi Daigh, Eudora; Payton Gannaway, Free State; Grace Graniewski, Wellsville; Rachel Hickman, Free State; Emily Hummelgaard, Tonganoxie; Lindsey Hornberger, Bishop Seabury; Catie Kaifes, Mill Valley; Kelsey Kehl, Baldwin; Sam Mallonee, Perry-Lecompton; Kelsey Simmons, Santa Fe Trail; Allie Swisher, Veritas Christian; Lauren Willson, Tonganoxie.