Plain Dealer Volleyball All-Stars

Bob Fortuna, The Plain Dealer, November 27, 2009 8:05 a.m.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Kaitlyn Leary

Padua Senior outside hitter

Notable: The 6-0 All-Ohio first- teamer and two- time Plain Dealer All-Star finished as the Bruins’ career kills leader. She had another phenomenal season averaging 5.2 kills per game, but wasn’t just a front-row player. The Ohio State recruit’s powerful jump serve resulted in an .803 percentage and 59 aces, and she averaged 2.8 digs and had an .840 serve receive percentage.

OTHER ALL-STARS

Brittney Balser

Magnificat Junior outside hitter

Notable: With her college choice out of the way, the 6-2 Duke recruit was a force. The Division I All-Ohio second-teamer had 4.3 kills and 2.2 blocks a game in helping lead her team to its second final four appearance in three seasons.

Allison Foschia

Walsh Jesuit Senior outside hitter

Notable: The Division II All-Ohio first- teamer and Duquesne recruit was a constant force the past three seasons. She averaged 4.62 kills and 2.35 digs a game with a solid attack percentage (93). Also excelled in serve receive percentage (95) and serve percentage (98).

Lauren Goebel

Padua Senior libero

Notable: The Division II All-Ohio second-teamer and school’s career digs and serve receive leader epitomized her position by being a defensive mainstay. She averaged 4.6 digs a game, was 380-of-408 in serve receive and 110-of-120 in free-ball passing.

Deme Morales

Amherst Junior middle hitter

Notable: The Comets wouldn’t have reached the Division I regional finals if not for the All-Ohio first- teamer. The Southwestern Conference MVP played taller than her 5-7 frame. She averaged 5.8 kills, 3.47 digs and 1.47 blocks.

Dayna Roberts

Olmsted Falls Junior setter

Notable: The two- time PD All-Star and Division I All- Ohio second- teamer was successful in taking over more responsibilities as an all- around player. She averaged 8.61 assists, 2.66 digs, 2.01 kills and nearly one block per game.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Anthony Messina, Padua

Notable: The North Coast League Blue Division and All-Ohio coach of the year built the program into a state power in four seasons. A North Royalton resident, he led the Bruins to a 27-2 record this fall and their second consecutive Division II state title.