Former local prep standouts Rose and Perret earn honors Former local prep standouts Rose and Perret earn honors (November 25, 2005)

by Rick Eymer

Cassie Perret and Courtney Rose were among the best women's volleyball players in the state when they were playing in high school four years ago. Now the local products - Perret from Woodside Priory and Rose from Menlo School - are among the best players in the country.

Perret, a senior opposite hitter at West Coast Conference champions Santa Clara, was named the WCC Player of the Year and will likely draw support for All-American consideration. Rose, a junior outside hitter at Emory University, was named the AVCA National Division III Player of the Year.

Perret has been a four-year starter for the Broncos, but elevated her game to new levels this year. One of the most versatile hitters at Santa Clara, she averaged 3.34 kills, 2.12 digs, and .85 blocks per game while hitting .373, placing her among the national leaders.

"I was really surprised and really happy after I found out I won the award," Perret said. "It's a great way to cap off my senior season heading into the postseason."

Rose averaged 3.82 kills, 3.42 digs, 0.52 blocks and 0.49 aces per game while hitting at a .429 clip, ninth in the nation in Division III. The Eagles entered the NCAA tournament as the top-ranked team in Division III, but fell to eventual national champions Wisconsin-Whitewater in the national quarterfinals.

"We are thrilled for Courtney that she was chosen AVCA National Player of the Year," Emory coach Jenny McDowell said. "This is a great tribute to her and the entire Emory volleyball program. Courtney is an extremely talented player, but what sets her apart from the rest is her competitive spirit. Courtney is without a doubt the greatest competitor that I have had the privilege of coaching."

Perret, a resident of Menlo Park, helped lead Woodside Priory to one state championship, and one state runnerup finish. Rose, a Palo Alto native, helped guide Menlo School to four state championship runnerup finishes.

Perret became the third Santa Clara player to earn WCC Player of the Year honors, and the first in five years. She was joined by Santa Clara outside hitter Brittany Lowe, who was voted WCC Freshman of the Year, and Jon Wallace was honored as WCC Coach of the Year.

Perret, Lowe, outside hitter Kim McGiven, and middle blocker Anna Cmaylo were named first team All-WCC.

"Cassie Perret has had a very consistent year," Wallace said. "She's probably made the biggest strides out of anybody in the WCC, going from her junior year to her senior year. She does a lot for us. She hits, she passes, she blocks. Her all-around game is a big reason why we've had a lot of success this year."

Two years ago, Perret earned All-WCC honorable mention and was a first team pick last year. Earlier this season she was named the AVCA/Sports Imports National Player of the Week for her stunning performance at the Bronco Invitational, where she averaged 4.70 points, 4.10 kills, 2.10 digs, and 1.20 blocks per game while hitting.415 clip during the three-day event. Santa Clara beat No. 6 Arizona and then-No. 18 UC Santa Barbara in the tournament.

Perret has been the WCC Player of the Week twice this year.

Rose recorded 19 double-figure kill matches, including a season-high 22 kills versus Austin College in the NCAA Division III Tournament South Regional final. She has added 13 double-doubles (kills-digs), including an 18-kill, 26-dig effort against NCAA Division II fourth-ranked North Alabama.

Rose, a second team All-American last year, was named to five all-tournament teams this season. She has 1,085 career kills, with a career attack percentage of .320.

Rose, whose younger brother Casey was a member of the Menlo School boys' water polo team that won the Central Coast Section Division II title last weekend, will be officially honored at the AVCA All-America/Players of the Year Banquet in San Antonio on Dec. 16.

Perhaps Perret will join her.

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