ATHLETES OF THE WEEK: LILO WHITENER

Lilo WhitenerSchool: WoodlandSport: VolleyballCoach: Emily JohnsonWeek Report: Whitener, a 6-foot senior, combined for 12 kills in a sectional and a state quarterfinal game Saturday in helping Woodland to a berth in the Class 2A Final Four. The middle blocker had nine kills against Caruthersville and three against Belle in the quarterfinal. She also provided three blocks and 10 service points in the two games.

Season report: The three-year varsity player has been a senior leader for the Lady Cardinals. With Whitener and teammate Jessica Bollinger, the Lady Cardinals have a pair of intimidating middle blockers. Whitener, one of three seniors on the team, has helped lead Woodland to a 25-5 record this season.

Coach's comments: "She's a dominant front row player," said Johnson. "She reads hitters well. She's a consistent server. With both of them (Whitener and Bollinger) on the team, they're intimidating. And she's not just a good volleyball player, she's a wonderful person. She's very coachable and is always willing to work hard and willing to try new things. One of her big games was against Bernie and she had nine blocks. She blocked them really well. She's very smart and bright academically as well."