By By Matthew Nascone
Two Northview Lady Chiefs represented their school and team at the Inaugural Pensacola Sports Association High School All-Star Volleyball Game Nov. 24.
"I was definitely thrilled when I found out we would have two girls representing Northview," head coach Betty Heaton said. "I hope this gives our other players something to strive for."
The game was for seniors in the Pensacola area and Rena Holling- sworth and Kalyn Vaughan flew the red and gold in Pensacola. But Heaton said there was only one spot that was guaranteed and it was great to land two girls on the West squad.
"We were guaranteed one player in the game, but to have two shows a lot about what people outside of Northview think of our program," she said. "The coaches from around the area nominated their players and to have two of our girls be picked by other coaches was great. And they both had substantial playing time in the game."
Heaton said the hard work and dedication both girls put in all year is what landed them in the All-Star game.
"Rena was so consistent for us all year and she was always there to do her best and she is an extremely hard worker," Heaton said. "She was a huge force for us serving the ball. And in Kalyn I think they saw an opportunity to get another effective outside hitter."
The athletes joined other players from the likes of Catholic, Tate and many other schools from West Florida. Heaton said for the girls to be recognized with girls from those bigger schools was great.
There were 14 girls on the East squad and 14 on the West squad. Vaughan started the first game and played in several others while Hollingsworth played in the middle games.
The East team won the match by two points in the deciding seventh set for a 4-3 victory.
Heaton said she hopes Hollingsworth and Vaughan's presence in the game will provide motivation for future Lady Chiefs.
"Hopefully next year we will have more than one player in the game again," Heaton said. "I know if I was their age, I would want to be on that team."