Rohl, Shafer make All-BRC Volleyball

• Wildcats make All_BRC

At left, Wildcat junior Izzy Shafer accumulated over 700 set assists this season and was rewarded with a spot on the All-Big Rivers Conference Volleyball Second Team. At right, Wildcat junior Amanda Rohl was named to the 2012 All-Big Rivers Conference Volleyball Second Team after leading the Cats in kills and service aces this season. She was joined on the second team by teammate and classmate Izzy Shafer. Bob Burrows photos

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A pair of Wildcat juniors were honored by the Big Rivers Conference volleyball coaches for their play this season by being named to the 2012 All-BRC Second Team.

Middle hitter Amanda Rohl and setter Izzy Shafer were both named to the eight-player squad by the conference coaches.

Wildcat head coach Sara McDonald said she was pleased to have two River Falls’ players named to the team.

“I have said all season that we are a better team than our record indicates,” McDonald said. “By having the other coaches in our conference reward two of our players with individual honors proves that they too thought we had a talented team.”

Rohl led the Wildcats in kills and service aces this season and was the Cats’ go-to player when they needed a point.

“Amanda isn't a typical middle because she isn't extremely tall so she doesn't hit sharp angles,” McDonald noted. “However, she has the ability to hit the ball harder than any player I have coached here at River Falls. Her development as an all-around player was a pleasant surprise this year. She passed the ball well in serve receive and kept rallies alive with digs.”

Shafer led the Cats in assists, totaling over 700 despite missing a quarter of the season with a broken thumb.

“She is such an athletic player and has the ability to make plays that no other player could,” McDonald said. “Her game matured this year and she began to take charge of our offense, knowing who to set in certain situations. There were several times when hitters had a one-on-one because of Izzy's decision making. Several times throughout the season the coach from the other team would comment on how impressed they were with her.”

The Cats finished the 2012 season with a record of 0-6 in BRC play, with many of those losses coming in the maximum five set. Overall, the Cats finished the year with a record of 22-18.

Tags: sports, volleyball, wisconsin, wildcats