In one way, the volleyball teams that Sedona Red Rock High School fielded in 2019 and 2020 were starkly different. Not only were they coached by different people, but while 2019’s team was experienced with three senior starters and six total seniors, 2020’s team didn’t have a single senior on it.
But in another respect, the two teams were similar: Both teams reached the state playoffs.
Reaching the postseason requires good team play, of course, but also strong play from different individuals. Sedona had that in both seasons. In fact, just like 2019, four SRRHS volleyball players were recognized for their play during the course of the 2020 season.
Emma Beattie, junior, outside hitter All 2A Central Region 2nd Team
Beattie recorded 116 kills on the season, a total that not only led the team but was higher than the combined total of any two of her teammates. Beattie, one of two captains, was also strong on defense, registering a team leading 148 digs and three solo blocked shots, tied for the second most on the team. Beattie additionally recorded 18 aces while Sedona scored 62 points off of her serves, the second and third best totals on the team, respectively.
Beattie was one of the four SRRHS players to receive honors in 2019 and the only non-senior. That made her importance to the Scorpions in 2020 well known before the season’s first game. She didn’t disappoint.
Stephanie Medel, junior, setter, opposite hitter, All 2A Central Region 2nd Team
While Beattie was Sedona’s team leader in kills, it was usually Medel — her fellow captain — setting her up. As the setter, the offense ran through Medel. She responded by notching 241 assists on the season. Medel also led the Scorpions with 28 aces and 87 team points scored on her serves. And even though serving was her primary job on offense, Medel recorded 25 kills on the year.
Medel was also one of Sedona’s best on defense, recording 135 digs on the year, the third-best total on the team. She was tied for second on the team with Beattie and freshman Izzy Griffin with three solo blocks and assisted on 14 others, the second-best total on the Scorpions.
Rachel Roderick, freshman, middle blocker, All 2A Central Region 2nd Team
Roderick was a force at the net on both sides of the ball. Her 27 assisted blocks nearly doubled the output of Sedona’s next-best player, while Roderick’s seven solo blocks were more than twice the total of any of her teammates. Roderick also became more involved in the SRRHS offense as the season progressed. Her 45 kills were third best on the team.
At 6 feet 2 inches, Roderick usually stands taller than anyone she shares the floor with. But while having height is an asset in volleyball, knowing how to use it is also important. Roderick became increasingly better at that as the season progressed.
Bella Williams, sophomore, opposite hitter/right side hitter/setter, All 2A Central Region Honorable Mention
Williams didn’t lead her team in any one category, but as arguably the most versatile player on the team, she was among the team leaders in nearly everything. Williams was second on the team with 51 kills, third with 15 aces, fifth with 51 points scored on her serve, fourth with 105 digs and second with 18 assists. Also, while Williams didn’t record any solo blocks, she made her presence felt at the net, assisting on 13, the third-best total on the team.
Williams [along with Beattie and Medel] was one of three returning starters from last season’s team. Much like she was as a freshman, she was a big part of Sedona’s success in her sophomore season.
