Three members of the Clear Lake High School volleyball team have been named to All-North Central Conference teams.
Xada Johnson was one of four athletes chosen unanimously for First Team All-NCC honors. The Clear Lake junior played in the outside hitter position and led the league in kills with 134 in 25 sets played, averaging 5.36 per set. Her kill efficiency ranked third in the conference. Johnson also recorded 84 digs for an average of 3.36 per set, placing her in the top 10 in the conference. She was 16th in blocks with eight, two solo and six assists.
“We relied a lot on Xada offensively this season and she really came through,” said Coach Heather Johnson. “Her biggest improvement was her shot selection- this year she was able to execute roll shots, line shots, and was able to score more effectively this season. She continues to push herself on and off the court and I can’t wait to see her improvement for next season.”
Hannah Blaha, a senior on the Clear Lake team, was a Second Team All-NCC selection as a middle hitter. Blaha ranked third in the league in blocks with 19 in 25 sets played. Five were solo blocks and 14 were assists. She finished 14th into kill efficiency and kills per set with 40 kills in 25 sets averaging 1.6 per set. Her kill efficiency was 0.173. Blaha led her team and was 12th in the NCC in serving. She was 84/89 for 94.4 efficiency with 10 aces.
“Hannah has been dominant at the net defensively (blocking) and offensively throughout her time at CL! She always found a way to positively impact a match. She was also a strong server and has great ball control,” said Coach Johnson. “Most importantly, she is a steady, positive player which in volleyball is huge to combat momentum shifts! I hope she took away some of those leadership skills that she can use throughout her life! Can’t wait to see what she does in her life!”
Senior Makella Jacobs, who played libero for the Lions, was named to the All-NCC Third Team. Jacobs ranked fourth in the conference in digs, with 106 in 25 sets played, an average of 4.24 per set. She was 15th in serving, putting in 69 or 74 serves for 93.2 efficiency. She recorded five aces. Jacobs was 17th in assists, with 20 in 25 sets.
“Makella was an extremely crucial vocal leader and led our defense this season. She was fourth in the conference for digs/set. She was also a great server for us,” said Johnson. “It’s been fun to see her develop throughout the last four years physically, but most importantly mentally. She really tries to use her strengths for the team, and is self aware of where she has opportunities for growth and works to improve those! I can’t wait to see her use these skills in her life.”
Clear Lake finished in a three-way tie for third place in the conference standings with a match record of 4-3 and set record of 14-11. The Lions ranked first in both kills per set (10.84) and kill efficiency (.220). They were second in blocks per set (2.28) and serving efficiency (92.5).
