End of Season Rankings & Awards

1. Pinelands
2. Southern Regional
3. Donovan Catholic
4. Wall
5. Saint John Vianney
6. Brick Memorial
7. Raritan
8. Colts Neck
9. Red Bank Catholic
10. Toms River South

Player of the Year: Kayla Thornton, Senior, Outside Hitter, Pinelands

Senior outside hitter, captain, and four-year varsity letter winner, Kayla Thornton, helped lead the Pinelands girls volleyball team to back-to-back Shore Conference Titles. She is a skilled all-around player who lead her team in kills, blocks, and digs during the 2018 season, and she now holds the new career kills record for the Pinelands program with 769 kills. In addition to her contributions on the floor, Thornton has served as a role model for her teammates who have all benefited from her hard work and positive attitude. With Thornton leading the way, the Wildcats were co-champions of the B-South division, captured their second conference crown, and advanced as far as the NJSIAA state sectional finals for Group 2. Congratulations to the 2018 SVCA Shore Conference Player of the Year, Kayla Thornton.

Coach of the Year: Kathy Bennett, Pinelands

Coach Kathy Bennett founded the Pinelands girls volleyball program five years ago, and every year the Wildcats continue to grow and improve. This year, the team established itself as one of the top programs not only in the Shore but also in the state of New Jersey by capturing their second Shore Conference title and advancing to the NJSIAA Group 2 Sectional Final. Along the way, the Wildcats amassed a record of 27-3 and finish the season ranked #1 in the Shore and #14 in the state. On the 2018 Wildcats, Coach Bennett said, “What I loved most about coaching this year's girls volleyball team was the intensity and passion that the girls showed for the game. This team was a lot of fun to be around and their dedication was outstanding.” Bennett’s career record improves to 96-28 overall. Congratulations to the 2018 SVCA Coach of the Year, Kathy Bennett.