The West Valley volleyball team recently captured its 5th-consecutive Coast-South Conference championship. In the title-clinching match against the College of San Mateo, Julia LaPierre connected on eight loud swings and provided the non-stop energy and enthusiasm that has become her trademark this season.

The 5-10 outside hitter out of San Jose's Pioneer High School has teamed with Sophie Ehret, Rowynn Funk and Lavelua Stepp to build a formidable front line offensively and defensively. The Vikings are looking for a deep run in the NorCal playoffs and LaPierre gives them a weapon to help them do so.

LaPierre ended the regular season 2nd on the team behind Ehret with 220 kills, a 2.32 kills-per-set average. Her 24 total blocks include 13 of the solo variety. Her importance to WVC can be illustrated in two big matches against Ohlone. In WVC's 3-2 win over the Renegades, LaPierre had 23 kills and hit .667%. When the Vikings travelled to Fremont for the rematch, LaPierre hit .400 and hammered down 12 kills to help WVc to a 3-1 victory. She has reached double figures in kills in 13 matches this year.

While opponents usually focus on stopping the dynamic Ehret, Julia LaPierre provides West Valley a powerful 2nd option at the net.