Simon has high praise for senior class

It was a tough match last week for the Whitehall High School volleyball team who fell on the road 25-17, 25-16, 25-17 to rival and undefeated Jefferson High School.

"The game in Boulder was tough. They are a good team and are well-coached. We are going one game at a time and using each as an experience and an opportunity and we are grateful that we could play some long rallies with a good team," said head coach Kyla Simon.

While pleased with some of what she witnessed from the Lady Trojans, Simon felt they once again struggled with serve receive and putting the ball away.

"We were taking some hard hits on defense and struggled to convert to our offense effectively," she said.

Kendra Klapan and Maxine Hoagland led the team with kills with 14 and 13 respectively, and Brynna Wolfe had a team-high 22 assists. Meagan Johnson had 18 digs and Haley Briggs had 2 aces.

"Good decisions and good play come from experience and experience comes from making mistakes, so we are still trusting the process and embracing the journey," Simon said.

SENIOR CLASS

Head Coach Kyla Simon has high praise for the three senior players (Dalaney Scafani, Meagan Johnson, Kendra Klapan) and fellow senior and manager Anna Nelson who will conclude the regular season will come to a close for Whitehall on Thursday, October 22 at Three Forks.

"Our three senior players have meant a lot to me these last couple of years. These three young women have come so far in their time with Whitehall Volleyball and I could not be prouder," she said. "The best thing about these four young women is that they are successful all-around. They are good students, talented in many other activities and sports, and most importantly; good humans. This is what I'm most proud of when I think of them. I have never, ever had to question their work ethic and I've never once had an issue with attitude. These young women are polite and respectful and never forget to say, 'thank you.' They truly embrace what I would hope for in a player; Good on the court, good off the court.

Here is more from Simon on her talented senior class:

DALANEY SCAFANI

"Dalaney Scafani is a talented young woman, not only in volleyball but in Rodeo and many other things. She is a hard worker at whatever she is doing and does a really good job of juggling all of her responsibilities. I appreciate that Dalaney does whatever I ask of her and puts the ball where I ask her to put it, no matter how she has to do that-she always seems to find a way. She has changed positions and rotations more than probably anyone on the team and has been flexible and willing to adjust. She has really developed her float serve and it has been extremely valuable to our team. Dalaney is always steady and reliable and doesn't tend to get too excited one way or another which is really quite necessary for us in volleyball- a game of constant ups and downs. I've known Dalaney since she was little, so it's been wonderful sharing this experience with her and watching her grow once again and be successful like she always is."

MEAGAN JOHNSON

"Meagan Johnson has been such a force in our back row for the last two years and it is all because of the time and the work she has dedicated to our team. Meagan is always the first one done with conditioning and always the one laying out on the floor for a ball, or diving into the bleachers to make a play, or doing whatever she can to go the extra mile. I don't think she has ever missed an open gym in the time I've been around. Meagan has a tough job on our team, she plays back row all six rotations and doesn't get a break except for one server. She is truly an animal running our defense and is the reason we are able to run an offense. Meagan continues to improve because she has set high standards for herself and is super coachable. Coaches in our conference have commented on how frustrating it is to hit against Meagan because of her defense. I appreciate her trust in me and I appreciate her unwavering commitment to our team and our goals."

KENDRA KLAPAN

"Kendra Klapan is truly one of the most coachable players you could ever ask for. I have never had a job or a task that Kendra couldn't do, or a task that she wouldn't work to accomplish. Kendra is reliable for us both in the front row and the back row and has become one of the most dominant hitters in our conference. All of this is credit to her own hard work and dedication. Kendra leads by example and is also one that has never missed an open gym or an opportunity to grow as a player. I appreciate Kendra doing things the right way always, and always finding a way. I appreciate the dedication she has shown to me and to our team. "

ANNA NELSON

"Anna Nelson is our manager this year and is also a senior. Anna played volleyball earlier in high school, but decided it wasn't for her later on. I'm so glad I was able to talk her in to managing this season because she has always been one of my favorite young women. I appreciate all of the time she has given and her willingness to help however she can. She is a very talented musician among other things and really brings a lot to our team with her sweet personality."