Lea Felton Sacramento – Volleyball

   The senior middle blocker/out- side hitter recorded 37 kills in nine matches to help the Troubadours to the High Sierra Invitational title. She hit 35.5 percent and had had five or more kills in four matches to go with nine blocks and 11 digs. Her performance at the Reno event earned her all- tournament honors, and helped St. Francis to a solid start after the team advanced to the CIF Division I State Final last year. Through the Troubadours’ first 10 matches, she had 43 kills, second-most on the team.

   The senior middle blocker/out- side hitter recorded 37 kills in nine matches to help the Troubadours to the High Sierra Invitational title. She hit 35.5 percent and had had five or more kills in four matches to go with nine blocks and 11 digs. Her performance at the Reno event earned her all- tournament honors, and helped St. Francis to a solid start after the team advanced to the CIF Division I State Final last year. Through the Troubadours’ first 10 matches, she had 43 kills, second-most on the team.

   SportStars Magazine: How has the transition been for you and other players after so many key seniors graduated?

   Lea Felton: It has been good so far. We have a lot of new players, which brings new energy. At St. Francis, we have great coaches, and we believe that each year it is more like reloading rather than rebuilding.

   SSM: Was it a welcome opportunity to see your first real game action of the season?

   LF: It was definitely nice to go up against other teams instead of just scrimmaging ourselves in practice. The experience allowed us to see where we are, and to see what our strengths and weaknesses are.

   SSM: After such a successful season last year, what are the team’s expectations for this season?

   LF: Our ultimate goal is to win section again, but we know that we have to take things one game at a time, and even one point at a time. A lot of people may underestimate us because we lost a lot of seniors, but we still have a target on our backs because a lot of programs want to beat St. Francis.

HONORABLE MENTION 

Wadus Parker – The Elk Grove senior rushed for 222 yards and three TDs in the Thundering Herd’s 27-0 season-opening victory over Lincoln-Stockton. Parker assumed primary ball-carrying duties this season, carrying 32 times in the opener.

Kara Campbell – The Vista del Lago junior outside hitter is led the section with 87 kills through the Eagles’ first 12 matches. She had a season-high 14 kills in a 3-1 victory over Bella Vista-Fair Oaks.

Cole Thompson –  Folsom’s junior wide receiver hauled in six catches for 130 yards and two TDs in his varsity debut. Thompson’s 50-yard score was the longest of QB Jake Browning’s seven scoring strikes in a 56-21 win over Woodcreek.