PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Union Catholic’s Julia Hayes already had her scholarship to Delaware secured, now it was time for the 6-1 middle to truly make a name for herself.

Hayes enjoyed a breakout senior season for the Vikings. She increased her kill total from 132 as a junior, to 210 this year. She also set a new career high in blocks with 59.

Hayes’ best performances came late in the season when her team needed it the most. She recorded a match-high 10 kills in the Union County Tournament final against Westfield. Then, in the always dangerous, Non-Public playoffs, Hayes had 29 kills and 11 blocks over her final three matches - wins over DePaul and Paul VI, and a three-set defeat to St. John Vianney in the sectional final.