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Christopherson takes home team MVP award at volleyball banquet

The postseason banquet for Fallbrook High School's girls volleyball team was held Nov. 28 at SonRise Church, and the recognition included the presentation of the team's most valuable player award to senior Emma Christopherson.

Because the team MVP award is usually given to an offensive player, the postseason banquet includes a defensive MVP but not an offensive MVP. Madison McCarty was the recipient of the defensive MVP award. Sonsi Jarvis received "Most Improved" recognition. Natalie Weber was given three awards: "Most Inspirational," "Heart of the Warrior" award and the Heather Schulte award.

The banquet also included a catered dinner, a skit by the team's four seniors, who also expressed appreciation to the Warriors' coaching staff and a highlight video although no sound system was available to complement the video with audio output.

"It was a great time," Fallbrook varsity head coach Chip Patterson said. "It was a special event for the girls."

Christopherson played both outside hitter and middle blocker during 2017. She led the team with 284 kills, .252 hitting percentage, 45 total blocks, 25 solo blocks and 20 assisted blocks, and she also had 122 digs, 13 serving aces and 10 assists.

"She was always willing to give her all," Patterson said. "Emma's worked very hard. She's a very great leader. The team was more confident when she was on the court."

Patterson noted that Christopherson didn't let adverse situations affect her subsequent performance.

"She always bounced back," Patterson said.

Christopherson's activities when a point was not being played were also a contributing factor to her MVP status.

"On and off the court she was always trying to do what's best for the team and the program," Patterson said.

The 2014 season was Patterson's first as Fallbrook's head coach, and he placed Christopherson on the varsity squad as a freshman so she was on Fallbrook's varsity for all four of her high school years.

"That's impressive," Patterson said.

Christopherson has received interest from college volleyball programs but has not yet made a decision.

"She is so dedicated to volleyball that I know she's going to do great," Patterson said.

McCarty was Fallbrook's primary libero during her junior season and also played the outside hitter position. Her 321 digs and 57 aces led the team, and she also recorded 20 assists, 10 kills and a solo block.

"She's all over the place, a very impressive player," Patterson said. "She can attack at will at the net. She's really a great setter."

Patterson noted that leading the team in aces also indicates McCarty's serving skills.

"She is the all-around package," said Patterson. "Her volleyball IQ is great."

McCarty also made the Warriors' varsity as a freshman, which was in 2015.

"I look forward to next year," Patterson said. "I'm quite sure she's always going to improve."

Jarvis was primarily a middle blocker who also played outside hitter. Her performance included 82 kills, 46 digs, 16 aces, three solo blocks, seven assisted blocks and three assists.

"She's very talented," Patterson said. "Her athletic ability surprises most girls."

Jarvis is currently a sophomore. She spent her freshman season on the 2016 junior varsity team. Jarvis was an opposite hitter on the junior varsity and played middle blocker for the first time as a sophomore.

"She did a great job at playing middle," Patterson said.

Patterson said that Jarvis sometimes struggles when she fails to meet her own expectations.

"She's a perfectionist and she wants things to go right every time the first time," he said.

That quality will likely be a long-term benefit for the Warriors.

"I think her junior year next year she's going to lead this team," Patterson said.

The Heather Schulte award is named for a former Fallbrook High School volleyball coach and athletic director and is given for outstanding character and sportsmanship.

"She was a great role model for student-athletes," Patterson said.

The Heart of the Warrior award is based on inspiration of the team.

"It has more to do with the team," Patterson said.

Weber was the top choice for all three of the awards given to her.

"Natalie is what you call a coach's real dream," Patterson said. "She is going to do whatever the team calls for."

The 2017 season was Weber's third on the Fallbrook varsity.

"She improved and stepped up," Patterson said.

Weber primarily played outside hitter during her senior season while occasionally being moved to the right side hitter position due to her blocking ability. She provided 82 kills, 106 digs, 21 aces, 13 assists, two solo blocks and four assisted blocks.

"We're going to miss Natalie, that's for sure," Patterson said.

The junior varsity's MVP award was given to Alondra Lis Cardona Lopez; Kendall Sprint was the defensive MVP for the junior varsity squad; Nya Jackson took home the Heart of the Warrior Award and Chelsea Yanez received "Most Improved" honors.

The freshman team's MVP was Esmeralda Lince, who also won that level's defensive MVP award. Hailey Particelli was the Heart of the Warrior recipient, and Macy Yingst was the freshman team's "Most Improved" player.

Author Bio

Joe Naiman, Writer

Joe Naiman has been writing for the Village News since 2001

 

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