With the pressures of conference races, district and state tournaments behind them, it was time for the best high school volleyball players from the Class of 2010 to team up with some new teammates as the 2009 District IV all-stars gathered at Baun Gymnasium at Twin Falls High School.

Sunnie Vouch of the newly crowned Class 1A Division II state champion Camas County Mushers found the level of competition at state "amazing."

"Every team at state was there to win," said Vouch, who has hopes of attending San Diego State University in the fall. "And they are all good."

Vouch enjoyed participating in the all-star matches because of the chance to meet new friends and play one last night of high school.

"There are some amazing athletes here," said Vouch, a member of her North West team. She mentioned her teammate Kristen Brandsma of Wendell in particular.

Breonna Phillips and the Minico Spartans participated at the Class 4A state tournament. Phillips said the experience of playing at the state level of volleyball was intense and made her step up her game.

"Tonight was more relaxed and for fun and to show case the talented athletes in this area," said Phillips, playing on the North East team. "I almost got frustrated because you still want to do well but then I remembered we were playing for fun."

Phillips wants to keep playing volleyball and to take her talents to the next level as she prepares for a career in the medical field.

"I have a couple of schools looking at me," she said

Filer senior Danielle Schaal enjoyed participating at the all-star games and called the night fun and exciting.

"I really like my team," said Schaal, a member of the South West team. "And we all get along. We have good setters and hitter. Its been fun to be able to use our skills and play together with different people."

Schaal has been working to play college volleyball since she was little but isn't sure what path the game will take her.

"Playing at a junior college could set me up and prepare me to play at a (NCAA Division I) school," said Schaal.

Brittini Duncan and the Declo Hornets had a blast at last week's 2A state tournament.

"It made us all nervous but it was a good experience," said Duncan. "Tonight it was fun to be able to relax and play with girls you don't normally get to play with and feel no pressure."

Duncan believes her competitive volleyball days are over and wants to just play for fun.

"Maybe play some intramural volleyball at school," said Duncan, who will major in secondary education at Utah State University.

Results

North West 25, North East 15

South West 25, South East 5

South West 25, North West 22

North East 30, South East 29

North West 25, South East 12

South West 25, North East 19