Braves top net team

The Hamilton Braves dominated volleyball in the Tri-County area last year, advancing all the way to the Division 5 semifinals.

Coach Erin Johnson’s Braves should be one of the teams to beat again this year, thanks to the return of all-league players Tessa Bekendam and Elyse Anderson.

Bekendam and Anderson are both members of this year’s preseason All-TriCounty volleyball squad.

Here’s a closer look at the players who will be among the top players in the Tri-County area this year.

H – Allie Koualczuk, Williams – Koualczuk is an outstanding hitter thanks to her ability to jump high above the net. Named the MVP of the Colusa Tournament last year, Koualczuk also made the all-league team for the Yellowjackets.

H – Ashley Robinson, Pierce – Robinson earned all-league honors after leading the Bears in hitting last year as a junior.

H – Hailey Daniels, Willows – Daniels is the top returning hitter for the Honkers, who figure to battle for the Sacramento Valley League championship this year.

H – Elyse Anderson, Hamilton – Anderson has been a standout for the Braves for three seasons and enters her senior year as a two-time all-league player.

MB – Courtney Fichter, Orland – Fichter showed lots of improvement last year for the Trojans, earning a spot on the all-league team.

MB – Jamie Wycoff, Elk Creek – Wycoff helped lead the Elks to one of the best seasons in school history last year, winning the Pioneer League title and advancing to the second round of the playoffs. She’ll be one of the area’s top hitters and blockers.

S – Meri Burt, Elk Creek – Burt proved to be one of the top servers and setters in the Tri-County area last year, which is one reason the Elks were able to claim a league title.

S – Kaitlen Alves, Willows – Alves was one of the setters in the Honkers’ two-set offense last year, racking up close to 200 assists.

AA – Tessa Bekendam, Hamilton – Bekendam transferred to Hamilton last year after playing her first two seasons at Champion Christian. Her presence as a hitter and as a setter helped the Braves win the Mid-Valley League title and advance to the Division 5 semifinals.

AA – Jessica Flores, Corning – In her third year as a starter has been a standout on the frontline and in the back row for the Cardinals.