Bethany Stidham

School: Whittier Christian High

Sport: Volleyball

Position: Outside hitter

Class: Senior

Whittier Christian Coach Dave Herron called time out after watching the Heralds’ six-point lead over Ocean View dwindle to one, 13-12, in the title match of the Division III bracket Saturday at the Orange County Championships. His strategy? “I said, ‘We are going to set Bethany. She’s been hot all day,’ ” Herron said. Smart advice. It led to Stidham’s 12th kill of the match, and when Whittier Christian won the next point, the Heralds had the title in hand. Stidham, a 5-foot-6 outside hitter who was named MVP of the Division III draw, totaled 23 kills and 16 digs in Whittier Christian’s victories over Kennedy in the quarterfinals, Valencia in the semifinals and Ocean View in the finals. Earlier in the day, she had 41 kills as the Heralds won eight of nine games in pool play. “She was a little timid as a freshman, but she’s gradually developed into a team leader, quietly so,” Herron said. “This year, she is starting to assert herself.”

Other top performers:

Erika Asmuss, who lost only three games while sweeping nine sets in Mater Dei tennis victories over Woodbridge, Fountain Valley and Katella.

Kim Coleman, who was named MVP of the Division I draw of the Orange County Volleyball Championships after helping Corona del Mar beat Edison for the title.

Vanessa Dahl, who was named Division II MVP at the Orange County Volleyball Championships after leading Huntington Beach to a victory over Woodbridge in the title match.

Brooke Meek, who finished three miles in 18 minutes 21 seconds to place second in the Division IV race of the Woodbridge Invitational and help Corona del Mar win the team title.