The Calumet High School volleyball team celebrates with the MHSAA Division 3 District 33 trophy after defeating Hancock 3-0 on Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, in Hancock, Mich. (Eddie O’Neill/The Daily Mining Gazette)

HOUGHTON — Volleyball coaches from around the West PAC recently casted their votes for the conference’s players and coach of the year as well as first and second team honors.

Calumet swept the awards for individual honors as Helen Beiring was named Player of the Year. Defensive Specialist of the Year went to Jana Loukus, and the Copper Kings’ Kate Bonacorsi was honored as Coach of the Year.

Bonacorsi said that the Coach of the Year honor is a reflection of the efforts of our team.

“I have an awesome group of girls, and I’m honored to be their coach. For the senior group, I have been with them since they were sophomores and they’ve worked so hard.”

She added that Beiring and Loukus are a joy to coach and well deserving of the honor.

“Helen has been averaging 3.74 kills per set for the season with a hitting percentage of .313, which is simply incredible. She’s also one of the best serve receive passers on our team. In short, she can do it all,” said Bonacorsi. ” She understands the game of volleyball so well, and she’s so competitive.

Jana was Defensive Player of the Year with almost 5 digs per set and passing a 2.0 in serve receive. She has been such a level-headed player for us; she has high expectations for herself and a team-first mentality. Jana brings positive energy and hustle to the gym every day.”

West PAC Selections

Coach of the Year — Kate Bonacorsi, Calumet

Player of the Year — Helen Beiring, Calumet

First Team

Natalie Bell, Neguanee

Hannah DeLoughary, Ishpeming

Summer Dudo, Neguanee

Marybeth Halonen, Calumet

Jordan Hardy, Gwinn

Isabella Hebert, Hancock

Olivia Merriman, Houghton

Annslee Runsat, Iron Mountain

Lizzie Torola, Calumet

Stella Wickstrom, Houghton

Second Team

Raquel Carlson, Negaunee

Olivia Corp, Ishpeming

Micaela Geberkoff, Houghton

Ila Goulette, Calumet

Laina Kariniemi, Calumet

Kami Klein, Hancock

Victoria Paquin, Gwinn

Ellison Powell, Iron Mountain

Kaisa Salani, Hancock

Josephine Thompson, Negaunee