Buratto leads four Bulldogs on All-IEL volleyball team
SANDPOINT — Senior Sam Buratto was named Co-Player of the Year as the 4A All-Inland Empire League volleyball team was released, as voted on by the league’s coaches.
Joining Buratto on the team were senior libero Blake Plaster, senior setter Ariel Moe and junior middle blocker Ashley Shepard.
Sandpoint head coach Karen Alsager on what each player did to earn a spot on the team:
• Blake Plaster — 397 digs and 24 service aces
“Blake waited a long time, two years on varsity, to be the libero and she did a great job for us her senior year. She was a strong leader and added the ball control we needed during key times. Her ability to deliver a strong down ball out of the back line was also a big strategy for us when we couldn’t get the ball to the front line.”
• Ashley Shepard — 137 kills and 26 blocks
“Ashley became a force this year. She discovered that her size was a big advantage for her at the net and became way more aggressive this year and was an offensive threat for our team. She will be close to unstoppable next season if her confidence continues to improve.”
• Ariel Moe — 156 kills, 43 aces and 323 set assists
“Ariel was very steady for us this season. We even needed to move her to power hitter in the front row for her strong confidence as a hitter. She gave us really challenging serves in the back line and accuracy at setting for our hitters. I personally feel Ariel was a fantastic leader for us on and off the court her senior year.”
• Sam Buratto — 236 kills, 35 blocks, 45 aces and 226 digs
“Sam probably improved the most between season 2009 and 2010. She became an all around player contributing to all aspects of the game. She was our kill leader for the season and added smart yet powerful serves on the service line.”
4A All-IEL volleyball team
Coach of the Year — Claudia Ebel, Lakeland.
Player of the Year — Sam Buratto, Sandpoint, sr., Amy Westberg, Moscow, sr.
Newcomer of the Year — Erin Ogden, Lakeland, so.
SANDPOINT — Blake Plaster, sr., Ariel Moe, sr., Ashley Shepard, jr. MOSCOW — Talia Chandler, jr., Marissa Payton, jr. LAKELAND — Kaitlyn Whitesitt, jr.