Holinchek and Phillips achieve important milestones in Hannan’s growth | St. Tammany Community News

It seemed fitting that the duo would share this moment together.

Hannan senior forwards Mia Phillips and Miranda Holinchek are best friends off the court and play key roles in the Hawks’ success on the court.

Phillips was honored for recording her 1,000th kill, and Holinchek surpassed the 1,000-dig mark during the Bogalusa sweep on Oct. 15.

“It was really cool to be recognized together,” Holincheck said. “Mia (Phillips) is actually my best friend, so the fact that we got to celebrate such a big achievement together is really special. I love her and am very proud of her.”

Phillips, who played three years on the varsity team, said her journey to 1,000 kills was special.

“I didn’t even know I was close to it, so whenever my mom told me about it, I was really excited about it,” Phillips said. “My mom told me on Friday that I was close to it, but I hadn’t even thought about it before. It’s just a very special milestone.”

The left-hander began playing for the club as an outside hitter. She moved up to middle school her freshman and sophomore years before moving back to being an outside hitter.

“Being a lefty, I tend to get more lines because the block is used to block righties,” Phillips said. “Our setter can push it out a little more. I think that’s a big advantage.”

Holinchek also played several positions. She started as a defensive specialist as a sophomore and then became a libero at the junior level. She started playing as a libero again this season and switched to outside hitter midway through the season to give the Hawks more offense.

“She’s definitely someone the girls look up to, so she does a good job,” Hannan coach Rebecca Bonnaffi said. “A lot of liberos can hit, but sometimes they’re just better at the back or they’re the best you’ve got at the back, so you want them back there as often as possible.”

Holinchek said she just loves being on the court.

“I love every aspect of the sport, so I think that’s why I can be an asset,” Holincheck said. “When I get a chance to show myself in a new light, I like to do it. It’s all about playing the game, no matter the position. It was cool to be a libero last year, but this year with me playing on the side it’s something new.”

The defending Division III state champions are on the rise as the Hawks (27-6) reeled off 12 straight wins before falling on the road in four sets to defending Division V state champion Country Day on Oct. 16.

Phillips said the reason for their success is simple.

“I think as a team as a whole we are very close,” she said. “Even if we have a tough day, we all come together and play for each other. I think that’s definitely the key to our success. We’re all here to work hard for each other.”

Continue reading our Farmer 5 volleyball rankings.

1 | Slidell (last rating: 1)

The Tigers have won 20 of their last 21 matches, with the lone loss coming en route to defending Country Day’s Division V state championship. This is an impressive series.

2 | Hannan (last rating: 2)

The Hawks won 12 straight before falling short in defending the Division V Country Day state championship. After a rocky start, the Hawks found their groove.

3 | Fontainebleau (last rating: 5)

The Bulldogs have won 14 of their last 15 matches, with their only loss coming to Hannan. After a slow start, Fontainebleau is arguably the most dangerous team in the area as setter Hannah Ellis, who earned her 3,000th assist on Oct. 8, leads the offense.

4 | Northlake Christianlatest rating: 3)

The Wolverines forced Haynes and St. Thomas More to three sets at the Hannan tournament. Northlake was tested just like any other team in the state.

5 | Lakeshore (last rating: 4)

The Titans can beat anyone (they are one of two teams to eliminate St. Thomas More), and they can be beaten by anyone (see sweeps of St. Scholastica, Northlake Christian, and Hannan). Lakeshore will be the team no one wants to see in the playoffs.

Next: Northshore, St. Scholastica