Carpinteria High water polo goalie Jacob Taff and Santa Barbara High volleyball middle attacker Nicole Schuetz were honored as the Athletes of the Week at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Press Luncheon at Harry’s Plaza Cafe.
Taff made 14 saves against Ventura and was the game’s offensive hero. With time running out, he scored on a length-of-the-pool shot to give the Warriors a 14-13 victory over the Channel League team.
Taff was the starting goalie on last season’s CIF-SS championship team.
Schuetz was a force in the middle for Santa Barbara in Channel League sweeps over Pacifica and Dos Pueblos and at the Tournament of Champions, where the Dons finished fourth.
The sophomore had a team-leading eight kills against Pacifica and nine kills, seven blocks and three aces against Dos Pueblos, helping the Dons improve to 10-1 in league play.
Her hitting, blocking, defense and serving helped Santa Barbara go 2-2 in the TOC. The two losses came against CIF-SS Division 1-2 teams San Clemente and Newport Harbor. The Dons are in Division 4.
The female honorable mention choices for the award were Mikayla Butzke (SBCC volleyball) and Reese Davidson (Westmont soccer).
The other male candidates considered for the honor include Brandon Smith (SBCC football) and Finn Ballard McBride (UCSB soccer).
The Athletes of the Week are selected by members of the local sports media. Coaches are encouraged to nominate deserving student athletes. Nominations should be sent to sports@noozhawk.com by Sunday.
The award sponsor is the law firm of Maho-Prentice.
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