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Local athletes to compete in All-Star volleyball match-up
All Star volleyball preview
Players from 35 local high schools will compete for scholarships at the 3rd annual Stanislaus District All-Star games at Pitman High on Sunday (Photo contributed).

The best volleyball players from high schools in the Stanislaus District will compete on Sunday in All Star games being held at Pitman High School.

The Denair Lumber Co. is sponsoring the 3rd annual Stanislaus District Girls High School Volleyball All-Stars event, featuring a small schools game and large schools game, starting at 11 a.m. Sunday in the Pitman High gym.

The Stanislaus District covers parts or all of five counties including Stanislaus, San Joaquin, Mariposa, Merced and Tuolumne. Players are selected from 35 high schools, across eight leagues and six divisions. The squads were chosen from over 170 classes of 2022 seniors.

“Our message is about the equity in girls athletics, and empowerment of these young student athletes, and at the same time finding community partnerships for our scholarships we hand out,” said event organizer Aaron King.

A total of $3,000 in scholarships were awarded in last year’s event. Some of the schools that will be represented are Turlock High, Pitman, Hilmar, Turlock Christian, Hughson, Gustine, Orestimba and Escalon.

Pitman has the most local representatives with six players: Julia Magnu, Mimi Verdone, Alex Wright, Alejah Higa, Taylor Vannest and Haley De La Riva.

Turlock High has a sole All Star with Abby Cogburn representing the Bulldogs. Hughson’s Felicity Sill and Gustine’s Leilani Aguilera will be on hand to represent their respective schools. Hilmar brings three players to the match with Jenna Gomes, Addy Garst and Sophia Alamo.

Cierra Thibodeau will be on hand to proudly represent the Warriors. Turlock Christian has three Eagles in the match with Emma Black, Abigail Glenn and Bella Spycher. Finally, Escalon will be bringing three players to the match as well in Bella Cormack, Grace Ferreira and Amanda Murphy.

“There will be great volleyball from some incredible athletes. Many of whom are committed to colleges both in and out of state,” said King.

General admission to the All-Star games is $7, with students and seniors $5. Pitman High is located at 2525 W. Christoffersen Parkway, Turlock.