Sun Athletes of the Week

Thursday, March 23, 2000 | 10:13 a.m.

For March 23, 2000

Male Athlete of the Week

SEAN DONEY

School: Durango

Class: Senior

Sport: Boys Volleyball

Family: Father Scott; mother Lynne; brothers Scott Jr., Shane; sister Heather.

Last week: Doney, a starting outside hitter, racked up 35 kills in three Durango victories over Las Vegas, Foothill and Chaparral. He finished the week with a .585 hitting percentage and only four errors in 53 attempts. On Thursday, Doney had 17 kills in the Blazers' 15-3, 15-12, 15-5 win over the Cowboys, a perennial area power. "They've been one of our rivals and they're always one of the strongest teams," he said.

This season: Doney, a two-year varsity starter, teams up with setter David Doxey to form one of the deadliest combinations in town. "(Sean) has such great vision and control as a hitter," Durango coach Bob Kelly said. "He's also one of the best passers on the team and one of our best defensive players. He's a highly-skilled all-around player." The Trailblazers are off to a 5-0 start this spring, and are favored to repeat as Region champions. "We have a lot of expectations this year," Doney said. "Our coach emphasizes beating teams in three games, and we don't mess around."

Female Athlete of the Week

MAGGIE LIVRERI

School: Centennial

Class: Sophomore

Sport: Softball

Family: Father Mike; mother Kristie; brothers Michael, Curtis.

Last week: Livreri, the Bulldogs' starting catcher, went 5-for-8 with three RBIs to lead the first-year program to wins over Las Vegas, Rancho and Corbett (Ore.). Centennial's No. 4 hitter, Livreri has anchored a lineup that has rocketed to a 9-1 start. "Maggie's one of the most unselfish hitters I've ever seen," Bulldogs coach Cindy Parrus said. "Instead of going for the big hit every time, she'll go opposite field to score the run for us."

This season: The starting catcher for Cimarron-Memorial last year, Livreri has brought experience to a young Centennial squad without seniors. "She definitely gives us the leadership we need as a young team" Parrus said. "When you're a competitor and know how to win, it adds a lot to a team." Just 15 herself, Livreri admits she's still adapting to the role of team leader, but believes her young team has what it takes to win right away. "I think teams still underestimate us," Livreri said. "We've yet to really prove ourselves. Hopefully we'll continue to make a name for ourselves."