OMAHA, Neb. — Papillion-La Vista senior Gina Mancuso has been named Gatorade's national player of the year in high school volleyball.

She's the first Nebraskan to win the award. The Nebraska recruit led the Monarchs to a second consecutive Class A state championship this past season.

The 6-foot outside hitter amassed 721 kills and 373 digs in 2008. She also was a standout on the U.S. Junior National team.

Mancuso has maintained a 4.64 weighted grade-point average while engaging in volunteer work in the community.

Mancuso is now a finalist for the Gatorade Female High School Athlete of the Year Award.