Merced High’s Elgin named conference MVP

Kathryn Elgin could get used to this.

The Merced High junior has been part of a Central California Conference championship team all three years playing water polo.

Elgin was also named the CCC MVP after leading the Bears to a 9-1 conference record.

“It’s pretty amazing being named MVP of the league, especially since I’m a junior,” Elgin said. “I’m pretty honored. I was really surprised and excited. My teammates definitely helped with a whole bunch of assists and giving me a chance to show I’m one of the better players.”

Elgin was also named to the All-Sac-Joaquin Section first team.

“Kathryn has put in a lot of time the last few years and she was definitely the best player this year and definitely deserving of this honor,” Merced coach Seth Gentry said. “It couldn’t happen to a better kid. In my opinion, she’s probably the best 2-meter player offensively in the section.”

Jane Eckles of the Bears was named to the all-section second team and the All-CCC first team. She was joined by Hannah Groteguth (Turlock), Nicole Goodnight (Atwater), Kim Canisso and Jessica Kern (Pitman), Marissa Wyan and Anna Neufeld (Golden Valley) and Gwynne McBride (Buhach Colony).

The second team was comprised of Kirsten Knobloch (Atwater), Erica Tait (Pitman), Kyla Bender (Golden Valley), Megan Shank (Merced), Savannah Hall (Merced) and Bella Pareira (Buhach Colony).

Hall and Shank received honorable mention for the all-section team.

Elgin and Merced hope to continue their string of CCC titles next year.

“I was so happy we won another league title,” Elgin said. “I think it’s (five) in a row and I’ve been part of three of them. Hopefully it continues on to my senior year and beyond.”

This story was originally published November 26, 2014 at 2:21 PM with the headline "Merced High’s Elgin named conference MVP."