Volleyball: 2021 Varsity Maine All-State team

Sophie Dickson, Yarmouth senior setter: At just 5-foot-1, Dickson is an unexpected powerhouse, but many coaches considered her the best player in the state. Dickson stood out with a 97% serve percentage, 378 assists and 185 digs as he led Yarmouth to the Class B state championship and its first undefeated season. A trainer called her a “force of nature”.

Danielle Emerson, Biddeford’s sophomore setter: Emerson was the Tigers’ on-court coach to direct play, especially in the playoffs, and delivered perfect sets. She was a big reason Biddeford went 14-0 in the regular season. Emerson had a 98% serve percentage, 74 aces, 155 kills and 33 digs.

Pearl Friedland-Farley, South Portland senior libero: Friedland-Farley was involved in every play, didn’t let the ball touch the ground and dominated in attack. She mainly played libero, but also outside and setter. She finished with 297 digs, 31 aces and 57 kills, and topped 1,000 quarry excavations.

Lizzy Gruber, Gardiner, junior outside hitter: Gruber started volleyball as a freshman and had an instant impact on the varsity team. This year, it is thanks to her that Gardiner remained undefeated in the regular season. At 6-foot-4, Gruber strikes with power and plays with precision and skill all around, not just up front. She finished with 289 kills, 88 blocks, 78 digs and 72 aces.

Caroline Hammond, Marshwood senior outside hitter: With speed, tenacity and consistency, Hammond averaged 11 kills, five aces, eight digs and two assists per game, according to coach Rob Childs. Hammond often stepped in as a coach on the field, as Childs said she saw the field better than the college players he used to coach in Pennsylvania.

Natalie Moynihan, Scarborough first outside hitter: Moynihan delivered the winning run as Scarborough beat Biddeford in a tense five-set match to claim the Class A Championship. Moynihan is as good as the best seniors in the state, many coaches say. She finished with 110 kills, 160 digs, and 63 aces.

Ellie Perry, Gorham’s senior outside hitter: Coach Emma Tirrell said Perry “earned the status of never stepping off the pitch”. His power and consistency were reflected in his stats, with 125 kills, 81 digs, 33 aces and a .356 hit percentage.

Maddie Strouse, Scarborough senior center hitter: Strouse led the No. 2 Red Storm to the state title against top-seeded and undefeated Biddeford on the Tigers’ home ground, showing composure, composure and confidence throughout the match in five sets. She has 187 kills and 53 aces this season, along with a .324 hit percentage.

Annaliese Rudberg, Cape Elizabeth senior outside hitter: Rudberg racked up 22 kills in the Class B state final against Yarmouth and was one of the best defensive players in the state. Fearless in the front row, she is a power hitter and has a knack for overcoming tough blockers. Rudberg finished with 200 kills, 212 digs and 39 aces for the season.

Washington Academy junior outside hitter Rachel Vose: A remarkably quick and consistent anchor in defense, Vose was a big reason the Raiders went undefeated and won the Class C title. Vose stood out in every game, covering the entire court with efficiency and power as she amassed 123 digs, 54 aces and 11 kills. When the Raiders needed a big play, Vose was there.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Jim Senecal, Yarmouth: The Clippers had just one returning starter from 2020-21, but won their sixth Class B title in 10 playoffs and compiled an undefeated record for the first time. A Class A coach called Yarmouth the best team in the state. The Clippers beat Class A champion Scarborough 3-1 in the regular season.