Polk places six on All-WHC team, Lynch co-player of year, Hill coach of year

Polk County senior Ansley Lynch has been named the co-Western Highlands Conference player of the year, with head coach Molly Hill earning coach of the year honors.

Western Highlands Confernece coaches voted Monday on all-conference awards, with the team released Wednesday.

Lynch shared player of the year honors with Owen’s Chesney Gardner. The senior moved to a new position this season, playing libero, and helped Polk County reach the state 1A championship match.

Lynch led all North Carolina 1A players in digs with 665 and finished her career with 1,045 digs. She also had 27 assists and 22 kills.

Hill led Polk County to a 20-9 record this season, including the WHC regular-season title and the 1A West Regional title. She won her 100th career match in the 3-1 win at East Surry in the regional final.

Five other Polk County players received all-conference honors – Marilyn Castillo, Kristen Hall, Grace Lauer, Mireya Roman and Sydney Waldman.

The rest of the All-WHC team includes:

Avery: Sara Hawkins, Madison Stamey

Madison: Alex Baker, Haley Ray

Mitchell: Hannah McMahan

Mountain Heritage: Hannah Ray, Kylie Robinson, Hannah Tipton

Owen: – Shelby Ballard, Camillia Harrin, Kathryn Wikos