2021 Season in Review - COD Volleyball

Under sixth-year head coach Detlev Rothe, Desert finished the regular season with a record 11-9 overall and 8-2 in conference. The Roadrunners placed 2nd in the Inland Empire Athletic Conference (IEAC).

The complete list of Inland Empire Athletic Conference honorees can be found HERE

Volleyball collected some notable firsts in 2021 as they played their first head-to-head at Mt. San Antonio in program history, played the first game in Palm Desert against Ventura in program history, played their first game against Ventura in 30 years and faced Barstow for the first time since 2003.

Libero Dakota Hansen (Myrtle Beach, SC) was named First Team All-IEAC, finishing the season with the eighth best digs per set average in the State (5.75) and leading the Conference in digs (397). After the 2020 season was vacated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 5-foot 5 sophomore resumed her dominance from 2019, which saw her being named Second Team All-IEAC. Hansen started 19 of 20 matches for the Roadrunners, exceeding 25 digs in six matches and grabbing 30 digs twice during the season.

Outside hitter Kaila Sandy (La Quinta H.S.) was also named First Team All-IEAC, finishing the season with the fourth best kills per set average in the State (4.43), leading the Conference in kills (328) and leading the team in Service Aces (45). The 5-foot 9 freshman started all 20 matches for the Roadrunners in 2021, exceeding 20 kills in four matches with her best overall match being a 3-1 win over West LA at the LA Mission Tournament, where Sandy had 23 kills, 24 digs and 3 service aces.

Outside hitter Lila Cowdell (Herriman, UT) was named Second Team All-IEAC, finishing fourth on the team in kills (68), fifth on the team in digs (149) and fifth on the team in service aces (25). The 5-foot 8 freshman started and played in 17 of 20 matches for the Roadrunners in 2021.

Setter Kianna Diaz (Palm Desert H.S.) was also named Second Team All-IEAC, finishing the season with the sixth best assists per set average in the State (9.51), leading the Conference in assists (694) and finishing third in the Conference in service aces (37). The 5-foot 5 freshman had 11 matches with 35 or more set assists and 5 with 40 or more. Diaz's best game of 2021 was an impressive performance in a 3-1 win over Glendale at the OCC Tournament, where she had 41 set assists, 4 service aces and a season high 19 digs.

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For additional information, please contact the COD Sports Information Office at 760.423.6641.

Information & Story provided by COD Sports Information. Photo by Michael Leone Photography (f8leone@yahoo.com).