2012 All-Cabarrus News volleyball team

For the past five seasons, Patti Chason and her Hickory Ridge volleyball teams have controlled the South Piedmont Conference, winning all five regular-season titles in that span.

The Ragin’ Bulls (23-4) went unbeaten in the SPC for the second year in a row before sweeping its opponents at the conference tournament to win its third straight.

Hickory Ridge also advanced to the second round of the playoffs.

Cox Mill (18-9), Concord (15-10), First Assembly (12-8), Mount Pleasant (8-14) and Northwest Cabarrus (12-7) also made the playoffs.

Cabarrus News volleyball player of the year: Rebecca Cochran, Hickory Ridge

Rebecca Cochran was forced to sit and watch most of Hickory Ridge’s run to an SPC title in 2011 as a reserve on a veteran squad.

In 2012, the junior wasted no time proving that she belonged in the starting lineup. Cochran was named the top player in the league, being voted by SPC coaches as conference player of the year.

Cochran showed the unique ability to play multiple roles on her team, serving as outside hitter at times and as setter at others.

Cochran finished the season with 228 kills, 118 digs, 38 aces and 292 assists on the season.

While the Bulls lose nine of their 16 players to graduation, Cochran will play a lead role in keeping Hickory Ridge at the top of their newly organized conference next fall.

Cabarrus News volleyball coach of the year: Patti Chason, Hickory Ridge

Patti Chason has been a major part of the Hickory Ridge volleyball program since the school opened in 2007.

For the past five years, she has led the Ragin’ Bulls to 109 win since.

In the past three years, the team has won its last 48 SPC contests. The Bulls’ last SPC loss dates back to a Sept. 2, 2010 loss to Mount Pleasant.

With Cochran and setter Breanna Cary back to lead the team, Chason will begin trying to find a way to stay on top again next season.

All-Cabarrus News volleyball team

•  Rebecca Cochran, Hickory Ridge: Junior, the SPC Player of the Year, does a bit of everything for Bulls.

•  Haley Denny, Hickory Ridge: Senior was an all-conference pick after recording 407 digs.

•  Anna Still, Hickory Ridge: Senior co-captain had 180 kills to help lead Bulls to another SPC crown.

•  Jesslyn Ferentz, Hickory Ridge: She was another big part of Bulls’ talented senior class with team-best 70 aces.

•  Bethany Laden, Hickory Ridge: Senior co-captain a big part of Bulls’ success over past four years.

•  Meredith Furr, Cox Mill: Charger senior proved to be versatile with 463 assists, 265 digs, 67 aces.

•  Kendele Donaldson, Cox Mill: Junior defensive ace had 351 digs to earn All-SPC honors.

•  Emily Hollis, Cox Mill: Another All-SPC Charger, the junior had 48 aces, 124 kills.

•  Destiny Floyd, Concord: All-SPC junior helped Spiders to SPC tournament final and the playoffs.

•  Savannah Cox, Northwest Cabarrus: 6-foot senior, an All-SPC pick, was a steady force in the middle for Trojans.

•  Tiffany Gill, Mount Pleasant: 5-foot-4 senior played big to earn All-SPC honors at outside hitter.

•  Kathryn Eudy, First Assembly: Senior, an All-Metrolina Athletic Conference setter, helped Eagles to playoff berth.