By Blake Colston
Sports Editor
Leyla Rallo and Kaylie Marshall have added some impressive individual accolades since the season ended.
Rallo, a senior libero for the Lady Wildcats, was named to the Oklahoma Coaches Association All-State team, which is comprised of talent from Class 5A and 6A. The All-State game will be played July 26 at 7:30 p.m. in the Tulsa area.
“It made me feel really good about the hard work I’ve put in the last few years,” Rallo said of becoming Piedmont’s second All-State selection in as many years after Gracie Myatt made the team last season. “I definitely didn’t think I was going to get it, so it was a nice surprise.”
Marshall, a junior outside hitter, earned Most Valuable Player honors from the Suburban Conference Coaches after leading Piedmont in kills this season.
“It meant a lot to get that award, especially going up against so many good players this season,” Marshall said.
Head coach Tom Williams said the Rallo-Marshall combination is the among the best he’s had at Piedmont.
“They played so well together and really made our team go,” he said.
The individual awards were the culmination of the best season in program history. Piedmont went 21-12, qualified for the state tournament for the first time and won its first-ever state tournament match with a win over Claremore.
“I’m glad it was this team that made it (to state),” Rallo said. “It was the greatest feeling to make it with the younger girls because they are some of my closest friends.”
Rallo and Marshall did not do it alone. Chesnie Caudill (outside hitter), Alleyah Hamblin (middle hitter), Ella Watkins (middle hitter), Jordan Hahn (outside hitter), JoAnna Hunter (outside hitter), Bentlie Blankenship (outside hitter), Mayli Wetter the setter, Macy Lee (setter), Grace Robison (right side) and Emery Hulme were also key players.
Marshall returns next season to lead the Lady Wildcats in what could be their inaugural season as a member of Class 6A. Williams said they’re preparing to make the jump even if they remain in Class 5A another year.
“We have to raise the level of our game so we can beat the top teams,” he said.
Although Rallo will graduate, she’ll still be around the program.
“I already have plans to come back and watch all my friends on their senior nights,” she said.
