Best female athletes

The best high school female athletes in Monterey County over the last 10 years.


1. Melissa Pura, Notre Dame: A punishing hitter at the net in volleyball, Pura helped lead the Spirits to a pair of CCS titles in 2005.
 Pura was also a force in the paint in basketball and a four-year starter in softball, powering the Spirits to four straight CCS softball titles, earning a scholarship to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.

2. Jessica Davis, King City: A two-time Herald Athlete of the Year, Davis ended up playing four varsity sports as a freshman.
 She led the Mustangs in kills in volleyball the last two years and set the single season and career steals record. Davis also won CCS titles in track in the 300 low hurdles and 100 hurdles, setting school records in both events.

3. Suzanne Riddleberger, Salinas: Started at shortstop on the softball team all four years, earning all-county honors in 2006 in softball, soccer and volleyball.
 Riddleberger was The Herald's Defensive Player of the Year in soccer in 2006. She hit safely in all 23 games in softball as a senior and started opposite in volleyball for three years.

4. Julia Ashen, North Salinas: For all her accolades on the volleyball court, Ashen was instrumental in leading the Vikings to the State Northern California semifinals in basketball.
 The 6-foot-2 Ashen was a presence in the paint and on the boards, offering a nice touch from eight-feet out. But she dominated the volleyball court as a senior, compiling over 300 kills.
 Ashen will be a junior this fall at CSU Monterey Bay.

5. Alyssa Given, Notre Dame: Became the leader at the net as a senior, hammering the ball across the floor in helping the Spirits to a CCS Division IV title.
 Given was a defensive demon on the Spirits 25 win CCS basketball title team, and was instrumental in helping Notre Dame capture a CCS softball title.

 Others to consider: Shanae Gasperson, Notre Dame; Annie Aldrete, Santa Catalina; Taylor Fox, Santa Catalina; Jackie Nicora, Stevenson, Annie Lee, Stevenson; Natasha Marquis, King City; Pauline Ferrall, Carmel; Kelli Okuji, Stevenson.