Auburn Riverside at a glance | Prep volleyball preview

A look at Auburn Riverside volleyball, its key players and matches for the season.

By Shawn Skager • September 17, 2014 8:08 pm
Auburn Riverside's Precious Atafua spikes the ball in a match against Enumclaw on Tuesday.
Auburn Riverside's Precious Atafua spikes the ball in a match against Enumclaw on Tuesday.

AUBURN RIVERSIDE RAVENS

• Coach: Christine Leverenz, 20th year

• Last year: 11-6 overall. The Ravens went 1-2 and were eliminated at the West Central District III/Southwest District 4 tournament.

• Top returners: Carson Heilborn, senior, setter, 6-0; Precious Atafua, senior, outside hitter, 5-11; Kiana Drumheller, junior, outside hitter, 5-11; Roxy King, senior, middle hitter, 5-11; and Clarice Buchanan, sophomore, libero, 5-2.

• Impact newcomers: Calley Heilborn, freshman, opposite, 5-9.

• Outlook: Having the Ravens drop from 4A this season spells nothing but trouble for the new-look SPSL 3A. In fact, it’s nothing but trouble for the all of the 3A teams in the state. The last time they played 3A in the late-1990s, the Ravens grabbed second and third at the state tournament.

Last year the Ravens were ranked No. 9 before being eliminated in the WCDIII/SW4 districts tournament. The Seattle Times have ranked the Ravens No. 1 in 3A.

Auburn Riverside boasts an impressive core of returners, including Heilborn, a two-time All-SPSL North 4A first-teamer and one of the best setters in the state. Add in the offensive firepower and height of the team’s front line, including Atafua (first-team All-SPSL North 4A), Drumheller (honorable mention, All-SPSL 4A North) and King.

The team would love nothing better than to deliver a state title as a 20th anniversary present for Leverenz.

• Big match: The Ravens typically play district rival Auburn Mountainview every season. This season, however, the match means something. Auburn Riverside hosts the Lions at 7:15 p.m. Sept. 22.