The Cuba High School volleyball team’s season ended on Oct. 23 with a loss to eventual Class 3 District 9 champion Sullivan, but coaches took notice of one Lady Wildcat who excelled throughout the season.

Jaylen Haffer earned first team All-District honors voted by the district’s coaches for her performance throughout the season. Haffer led the Lady Wildcats in kills and blocks, often dominating opponents’ front lines. Haffer’s spikes continuously drew oohs and ahs from crowds and seemed to provide her team with added energy and excitement throughout the season. Gasconade Valley Conference awards will not be released for another week but Haffer is expected to be on that list and should be in the running for Conference Player of the Year as well. 

She may have some company in the GVC awards list from her team that won 18 matches and reached the district semifinals after winning just seven matches the year before. Senior Emma Harris reached 500 career digs and was a steady presence for Cuba throughout the year. Standout sophomore Justice Evrard reached 500 career digs during district play and will continue to ascend Cuba’s record books in her last two years on campus.

Harris and Evrard each received votes on the All-District roster, but didn’t qualify for the first or second teams. Senior Cailyn Hulsey led the Lady Cats in service aces and digs and junior Brooke Echols led the team in assists. Head coach Makayla Coleman also could be recognized for the team’s turnaround in her first year on the job. GVC awards will be detailed when they are released.