Class of 2025: Contributing HS Freshmen (Northern CA)
<p>There is something special about first-year players who step onto the varsity stage and deliver out of the gate. Below, we highlight six Northern CA athletes who did just that during the fall high school season.</p>
<p><strong>Rachel Smith, 6-5 Middle Blocker, Liberty Ranch</strong> – During her first season for the Hawks Smith developed into the go-to hitter, finishing the season first in kills with 237. She also hit .324 to go with 54 blocks (team leader) and 44 aces (fifth). Twice Smith put season highs with 18 kills, including in the season finale in a five-set loss to El Dorado. In a previous meeting with El Dorado, Smith set a season high with 10 blocks.</p>
<p><strong>Paityn Snow, 5-9 Outside, Liberty Ranch</strong> – Snow was another freshman standout for the Hawks. Her 209 kills during the regular season were second most on the roster. She also had the second-most serve receptions and led the team in aces with 75. Smith managed a season-high 18 kills in the five-set loss to El Dorado to close the regular season.</p>
<p><strong>Elle Weaver, 5-11 Outside, University Prep (Redding)</strong> – Weaver had her moments for the undefeated Northern League champs. She put up a season-best 18 kills in a tournament victory over Westmoor on Sept. 25. It was part of her 159 kills during the regular season, which was third most on the roster. She hit .364 as well, plus chipped in with 53 digs and 22 aces.</p>
<p><strong>Olivia Kuch, 6-1 Middle Blocker/Outside, Vacaville Christian</strong> – Going undefeated through Sierra Delta League play, the Falcons received plenty of contributions from Kuch. The freshman was among the team leaders in kills, blocks and aces. She recently had her best outing of the season, delivering a season-high 16 kills in a sweep of Bradshaw Christin in the quarterfinals of the CIF Sac-Joaquin Section Division 5 playoffs.</p>
<p><strong>Mariah Bowman, 5-6 Setter, Sacramento</strong> – The results didn’t go the Dragons’ way as much as they would’ve liked this season but Bowman certainly played a role as a rookie. She led the team in assists (188) and aces (51) while also making 191 digs.</p>
<p><strong>Addy Tagala, 5-3 Setter, East Nicolaus</strong> – Tagala ended the regular season with 180 assists, second most on the roster. She also had 26 aces. Her season-high for assists was 18, which came in a five-game loss to Colusa on Oct. 12.</p>
<p><strong>Jadyn Hoffman, 5-10 Outside, East Nicolaus</strong> – It was a great opening act for Hoffman, who led the Spartans with 200 kills during the regular season. She posted a season-high 26 kills in the loss to Colusa. She also did her part with 98 digs and 40 aces.</p>
<p><em>*email chris.tobolski@prepdig.com with any updates, corrections or relevant information</em></p>
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