In her final season on the volleyball court, Madison Sanders did everything she could to lead the Pike Liberal Arts Patriots.

And in the end, she was rewarded for efforts.

Sanders, the lone senior on the PLAS squad this season, was selected to the 2010 AISA East All-Star team as a middle hitter.

This was the first time the Patriot was honored with an invitation to postseason game, which took place this past weekend in Kingwood Christian School.

“This was definitely something that meant a lot to me,” Sanders said of being on the All-Start team.

“I have been playing volleyball since the seventh grade, so this was a big deal. It was a good way to end my senior season. That was the last volleyball game, so it was kind of bittersweet to.”

For the season, Sanders finished with 63 kills, 29 aces and 49 assists.

As the only senior on the Patriots this past season, Sanders said things were a little different at first.

“I was always used to playing with older girls, and this season I was the oldest one. It was a little difficult at times, but it was also a lot of fun.

“I had to be the captain of the team and that was something I was a little reluctant of at first, but this team made a lot of progress as the season went on and I had a lot of fun playing with the other girls.”

Having Sanders on the team was something that Patriot head coach Mendy Avant said was a big plus for this season’s team.

“Madison was a great leader all season long for us,” Avant said. “And she had a great season.

“There were so many great players to choice from this past season all around the state, and to have Madison selected was a great honor for her and one that was very well deserved.”