Rachel Hochgesang

School: Sunny Hills High

Sport: Volleyball

Position: Outside hitter

Class: Senior

In Hochgesang’s first three seasons as a starter for Sunny Hills’ varsity, the Lancers did not beat La Habra, which had a string of three Southern Section and State championships in the same span. The Lancers broke through against the Highlanders earlier this season, but Tuesday an inspired La Habra team led, 13-0, in the third game and threatened to take a 2-1 lead in the match. But Hochgesang led a stunning comeback, and the Lancers won, 17-15. Hochgesang had 23 kills as Sunny Hills won, 12-15, 15-13, 17-15, 15-7, and Thursday had seven kills in a three-game victory over Sonora that clinched at least a tie for the league title for the Lancers, their first since 1988. Sunny Hills Coach Ron Kasser said Hochgesang’s worth to the team goes beyond kills. “She’s a total team player,” Kasser said. “She’s not the type of kid who will make you fall out of your seat watching her hitting, but she has a great overall game.”

Other top performers:

Michelle Bray, who swept her six singles sets in Laguna Beach’s tennis victories over Costa Mesa and Century, helping the Artists clinch the Pacific Coast League championship.

Kim Nelson, who won the Century League cross-country individual title, finishing three miles at Yorba Regional Park in 18 minutes 4 seconds.

Jennifer Stroffe, who had 18 kills in Corona del Mar’s four-game victory over Newport Harbor and 16 kills in a four-game victory over Irvine.

Jeanne Vetter, who had 18 kills as Dana Hills broke a six-match losing streak by upsetting Mater Dei, then ranked ninth in the county.