Panthers' Otto, St. Louis earn NEC volleyball honors

Oconto Falls High School volleyball players Amber Otto and Brailyn St. Louis each made North Eastern Conference teams after strong fall seasons.

Otto, a sophomore, made the second team for her play as an outside hitter. St. Louis also was honored as an outside hitter, making the honorable mention list as a senior.

Otto finished the conference portion of the season with 130 attack kills across nine matches. She also led the team with 21 aces.

The sophomore also recorded 100 digs and 73 service points.

“To be able to say that I received second team all-conference, as a sophomore, is truly an honor,” said Otto. “I have worked very hard to earn my spot and my position on this team. I was very fortunate to play with such amazing teammates. Without all of them, this award would not be possible.”

Otto is hoping the honor is just the start of things with two more high school seasons remaining.

“This award will definitively motivate me to keep pushing myself and working hard,” said Otto. “My goal as a junior or senior would be to possibly make first team. I look forward to growing as a volleyball player along with my teammates.”

St. Louis was second on the team with 106 attack kills in NEC play. The senior also totaled 24 digs across the nine matches.

“Through all of my hard work and dedication to volleyball over these past four years, it feels very rewarding to earn an all-conference award,” said St. Louis.

“For my final season, I couldn’t be happier and more proud about our team’s strong finish,” she continued. “I was extremely proud and impressed by my team’s continuous positive attitude and hard work.”

Oconto Falls finished 5-4 in conference play and 27-16 overall.

The Panthers earned a No. 2 seed and bye to start the postseason. The team then topped Antigo and Mosinee to win a regional title. Oconto Falls was eliminated by top-seeded Tomahawk in a sectional semifinal.

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