SAND ROCK – There’s one play that comes to mind when Sand Rock volleyball coach Lisa Bates talks about senior outside hitter Jennifer Campbell.

The Lady Wildcats were battling Geraldine at the Woodland Regional Tournament last season. In a one-point game in the deciding fifth game, Campbell leaped high above everyone to make a devastating kill. It was a shot that not only won the game, but clinched Sand Rock’s sixth straight Class 2A Elite Eight appearance.

“It was an amazing shot, one that only special players can do and would even consider doing in that type of game,” Bates said. “That is what sets her apart. She’s a finisher and she’s a go-to girl. She did a good job of playing that role for us this year.”

Bates and the other Cherokee County volleyball coaches have come to expect those type of plays from Campbell. That’s why they selected the West Alabama signee as their 2009 All-Cherokee County Most Valuable Player.

Campbell posted 534 kills last season and holds Sand Rock’s career kills record with 1,615. Last season, Campbell also accumulated 428 digs, 75 aces, 45 blocks and six assists.

The MVP honor humbled Campbell when told she had been chosen for it.

“It’s a really big honor, especially since there’s a lot of really good players in our county,” Campbell said. “I don’t think a lot of people realize what it takes to be a good volleyball player … the dedication, time and hard work. I could have never gotten county MVP without my teammates.”

Bates called Campbell’s selection “well-deserving.”

“You don’t get one like her to come through very often who can hit like she can,” Bates said. “She really worked a lot out of season to get better and improve. She put everything she had into volleyball, and it’s made a difference.”

Campbell is still working hard to be the best volleyball player she can be. She’s continuing to play for her club volleyball team, Team Sting out of Birmingham.

Team Sting begins several nationwide tournaments beginning in Tampa, Fla., in February.

“We had practice the week after state,” Campbell said. “Some people were like ‘So you’re doing that again?’ You have to keep working hard to be at that next level, and that’s why I’m continuing to play with Team Sting.”

Sand Rock (45-11) had the most selections (5) on the 2009 All-Cherokee County Volleyball Team.

Joining Campbell is four of her teammates: senior middle hitter Megan Battles, junior middle hitter Karlie Anderson, junior setter Logan Smith and senior outside hitter Carrie Robertson.

Battles posted 355 digs, 309 kills, 94 blocks, 89 aces and 13 assists. Anderson recorded 337 kills, 133 blocks, 118 digs, 92 aces and nine assists. Smith had 1,251 assists, 318 digs, 102 aces, 34 kills and 28 blocks. Robertson finished the season with 285 kills, 268 digs, 71 aces, 27 blocks and 14 assists.

Cherokee County (27-17) reached the Class 4A sub-state round last season and had four selections on the team. They were senior libero Laura Rochester, senior middle hitter Malorie Rosser, senior setter/outside hitter Haley Highfield and senior outside hitter Mary Beth Brannon.

Spring Garden (16-18), which claimed another Class 1A Elite Eight berth last season, is represented by junior outside hitter Tara Mullinax, senior middle hitter Shelby Malone and junior setter Kelsey Turner.

Freshman middle blocker Audrianna Hargitt and freshman middle blocker/outside hitter Hannah Leach represent Cedar Bluff (21-31).

Gaylesville (11-17) had a pair of selections in senior outside hitters Amber Moseley and Krista Nichols.