Othello's Walker is first-team pick

Lady Huskies have three players named all-conference

OTHELLO - As the Central Washington Athletic Conference (CWAC) volleyball season comes to a close, the conference coaches assembled to decide the 2008 CWAC All-Conference teams.

Othello senior Allison Walker headlined the all-conference selections for the Columbia Basin schools as she was selected First Team All-CWAC.

Walker helped lead the Lady Huskies to a 6-7 CWAC record and into the conference playoffs.

Othello head coach Steve Parris said his senior deserved it.

"It's a great accomplishment for her," he said. "It is recognition for her dedication and hard work. It is well deserved."

Joining Walker is teammate and junior Kylee Mollotte. Mollotte is a Second Team All-CWAC selection for the Huskies and is the only member of a Columbia Basin school to be selected to the second team.

Parris said Mollotte is a quality player for Othello.

"I was hoping she would squeak onto the first team," he said. "But she is a junior. She has another year ahead of her."

Othello's Justine Villareal is an honorable mention All-CWAC selection for the Lady Huskies.

Villareal was also an honorable selection as a junior and Parris said she sets up the Othello offense.

"She is the quarterback of our team," he said. "She runs the offense."

Ephrata junior Alex De Hoog was also selected honorable mention All-CWAC as was teammate and freshman Kendra De Hoog. Kendra De Hoog was the only freshman selected to any All-CWAC team.

Quincy senior setter Manda Brindle was selected honorable mention All-CWAC for the Lady Jacks volleyball team.

Despite finishing conference play with an 0-13 record, the Quincy Lady Jacks were given the Sportsmanship Award by the CWAC coaches.

While Ephrata and Quincy have wrapped up their seasons, the Othello Lady Huskies will travel to Yakima Thursday night to take on the East Valley Red Devils for an opportunity to advance in the CWAC playoffs.

Parris said his team is capable of knocking off East Valley.

"We are not exactly where we wanted to be," he said. "We are in a position where we can be if we play well and come together."