Megan Sorenson (JR), 6' Outside Hitter has been selected as a finalist for Gatorade Player of the Year.  Megan led the Grizzlies in hitting, kill, blocking and serving percentage.  She is currently playing for Idaho Stars Volleyball Club on the 18's national team.

Janel Porter Selected to the Senior All Star Team.

Congratulations to Janel Porter! The 5'8" outside hitter was selected to the 5A Senior All Star Team. The 5A team beat the 4A team in 3 sets. We are proud of you!

5A Southern Conference Awards

Idaho Press Tribune 9/3/09

Can Rocky Mountain Take the Next Step?

Michelle Dodds orchestrated her previously rookie program to a fourth-place finish at last year's state tournament.

Fast forward to this year, and 5A SIC first-team defensive and passing specialists Megan Sorenson (junior) and Janel Porter (senior) lead a young team gaining maturity.

Five players to watch

Kayla VanderStelt, Nampa Christian: The reigning first-team 2A WIC all-conference selection specializes in blocks and serves.

Kali Roche, Parma: The first-team 2A WIC all-conference selection is a valuable asset in the front and back row.

Liz Myers, Middleton: She's a regular in the kills department, which is why she earned first-team 4A SIC honors last season.

Megan Sorenson, Rocky Mountain: At 6-foot-1, Sorenson is a reigning first-team 5A SIC selection who is being recruited by Division I colleges.

Janel Porter, Rocky Mountain: Athletic and quick. The first-team 5A SIC selection understands the game, and has good court vision.

The three-time defending 5A state champion Eagle High volleyball team is two wins away from securing its fourth consecutive title.

Eagle (31-3) opened state tournament play Friday with straight-set victories over Madison and Post Falls at Lake City High in Coeur d'Alene. The Mustangs play 5A SIC rival Rocky Mountain in a semifinal match at 1 p.m. Saturday. The 5A title match is set for 6:30 p.m.

Senior Morgan Odale led Eagle with 28 kills, 21 digs and six aces during Friday's matches.

"The first win at the state tournament is the key," Eagle coach Paul Schwager said. "We really focused on being prepared for it and now we are in a good spot."

Rocky Mountain (23-5) also advanced to the semifinal with straight-set wins. The Grizzlies beat Lewiston in the first round and Idaho Falls in the second round.

Centennial lost its first-round match but stayed alive by beating Madison. The Patriots (28-9) play Idaho Falls in a loser-out match at 10 a.m. Saturday.

Borah also lost its first-round match, but the Lions (26-11) stayed alive with a late win over Lewiston. Borah plays Post Falls in an elimination match at 11:30 a.m.

Published: 10/30/09

Northern Idaho will be overwhelmed with high school volleyball players and fans this weekend. All six state tournaments begin Friday and run through Saturday in the Coeur d'Alene area. Here are some of the top local teams and players to keep an eye on:

5A TOURNAMENT

2008 champion: Eagle

Handicapping the field: As the three-time defending champion, Eagle remains the tournament favorite. With Eagle and Rocky Mountain on opposite sides of the bracket, it's possible the title game will come down to these teams, who faced off for the District Three championship. Eagle won that title to complete the season sweep.

District Three qualifiers

Eagle Mustangs (29-3): Four starters return from last year's state championship team - Morgan Odale (463 kills, 97 aces), Liz Daylong (334 digs), Summer Mitchell (134 kills) and Betty Van Lith (458 assists) - but three are playing different positions. The Mustangs are using two setters - Morgan Sipherd (380 assists) and Van Lith - and have moved four-year starter Odale back to outside hitter.

Centennial Patriots (27-8): The Patriots are the only Idaho team to defeat Eagle since 2005, but Centennial has had its highs and lows this season, finishing third in the district tournament two weeks after beating the Mustangs. Senior outside hitter Jordyn Glorfield and junior middle Karli Parrish put up big blocks, while senior Molly O'Connell (setter/righside) and junior Dannen Wright (setter) add stability to the lineup.

Borah Lions (25-10): The Lions are making their first appearance at state since 2005, when they went two-and-out. Borah has a mix of youth and experience in sophomores Hannah Schleis (middle, 361 kills, 72 blocks) and Jade Gray (setter, 748 assists, 197 digs) and seniors Hilary Platt (middle, 256 kills, 45 aces) and Sydney Porter (libero, 403 digs).

Rocky Mountain Grizzlies (21-5): The Grizzlies were the surprise at state last year - finishing fourth - but they're one of the favorites this year with the return of all but one player. Sophomore setter Sierra Porter (621 assists) has plenty of weapons, including 6-foot-1 junior outside hitter Megan Sorenson, who leads the team with 428 kills. Outside hitter Janel Porter has a team-high 326 digs.