ALEXANDRIA — Alexandria senior Lauren Miller’s statistics and awards alone are enough to justify her selection as The Herald Bulletin Volleyball Player of the Year for the second straight time.

She was named First Team All State, All Madison County and also All-Central Indiana Conference. She had 314 kills to go with 432 digs. During the course of her career the Tigers never lost a Madison County Tournament match.

But her coach Ashley Pierce believes that there was more to her contribution than what is revealed in those honors and numbers.

“She was able to deal with the drama that comes with young players,” said Pierce. “She was able to show how to use their frustrations in a positive way on the court.”

“I thought I had a decent year,” said Miller. “At times I could have played better. But I’m very proud of myself and my teammates that we were able to win four county titles.”

Miller played as well as she did despite the fact that she is undersized as a hitter and playing out of position on a physically small Alexandria team. She made up for her lack of size with instincts and vision.

“That comes from how smart she is,” said Pierce. “To see a block the way that she does isn’t something that can be taught. Our defense this year was very scrappy. Not every hit was perfect. Lauren could take a non-perfect set and get a kill out of it.”

Miller had tryouts a couple of weeks back for the Munciana program where she will be used more for her defensive rather than offensive skills. Play begins next month.

She also has made her college choice, deciding to attend Franklin Pierce College in Ringe, N.H.

“I really liked the college a lot,” said Miller. “It was nice and welcoming. I wanted to get away from home a bit. The coach is in her first year there. It is located out in the middle of nowhere. I like the outdoors.”

She is going to major in biology and will be pursuing a pre-med curriculum.

Her repeat as Player of the Year is no surprise to her coach. “She’s that kind of girl,” said Pierce. “She deserves it. Players don’t always progress after winning that kind of award and she certainly did.”