This season, Southern remained where it has been since the inception of the Shore Conference's oldest girls volleyball program - right at the top of the heap. Senior setter Nikki Miller was a big reason, as she headlines our DigitalSports Legends of the Fall All-Star team. Click on the first-team players for bios and interviews.
*DigitalSports Girls Volleyball Player of the Year*
Nikki Miller - Sr., Setter, Southern
First team
Ashley Gesicki, Sr., Middle blocker - Southern
Stephanie Brzozowski, Sr., Outside hitter - Toms River East
Pam Tamowski, Sr., Libero - Southern
Ferdesa Bauta, Sr., Outside hitter - Colts Neck
Jordin Fox, Jr., Outside hitter - Toms River East
Coach of the Year
Scott Ferris, Red Bank
Ferris, who is also the school's wrestling coach, helped the Bucs surge to a second-place finish in Class A North and a 19-4 overall record, one year after finishing 6-12 in the program's second year of existence. The Bucs also reached the semifinals of the Shore Conference Tournament before being downed by a Southern team that has never lost to a Shore Conference opponent. Red Bank also reached the preliminary round of the NJSIAA Group II tournament before losing to Fort Lee.
Team of the Year
Southern
No surprise here, as Southern continues to be dominant against local competition. The Rams beat Toms River East to win the Shore Conference Tournament and have never lost to a Shore Conference team. The Shore's oldest girls volleyball program also advanced to the NJSIAA Group IV semifinals before falling to Hunterdon Central for the second straight season.