Tim Chapman/PCT Rugby High School senior Emily Stier goes for a kill in a match against TGU this fall. Stier was voted to the All-Region 6 Team by coaches.

Two Rugby High School volleyball players were recognized at the Region 6 Tournament championship on Nov. 13. Senior hitter Emily Stier and junior setter Shea Heidlebaugh were named to the all-region team by the region’s coaches.

Stier led the team with 177 kills, nearly 50 more than the next Panther. She also led the team with 92 blocks, including 38 solo.

“It’s a great honor and a great accomplishment for myself, but I wasn’t really expecting it,” Stier said. “It was great coming off a great season and I was so proud of our whole team and how we did.”

The Panther offense ran through Heidlebaugh, who led the team with 515 assists. Heidlebaugh was active on the defensive end, finishing fourth on the team with 356 blocks. She also found success on her serve with 46 aces, second behind senior Elizabeth Blessum’s 60.

“It feels pretty special and it’s an honor to be named all-region,” Heidlebaugh said. “I know I worked pretty hard to get there and I’m really happy that I got it.”

Heidlebaugh will be the leader of a team losing seven seniors to graduation in 2015. She believes coaches recognized her ability “to get the ball where it needs to be and, serving consistently and just setting up the right players at the right times.”

The Panthers (24-9) won the program’s first district title before falling in straight sets to Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood in the opening round of the region tournament.

“I went into the season not knowing what to expect,” RHS coach Jessica Fritz said. “It was great to have two players that were all-region quality. In the past we’ve only had one, so to have two is a great reflection of the whole team.

“I think it was just the fact that (Stier and Heidlebaugh) are always consistent and didn’t falter much during the year. When you look at our overall stats, that stuck out the most.”