Three volleyball players earn spots on All-North Central Conference Teams

Two members of the Clear Lake volleyball team have been named to the All-North Central Conference First Team.  Clear Lake Head Coach Scott Swenson made the announcement Thursday at a banquet for the team and their families.

Setter Carly Ouverson and middle hitter Kaitlyn Pitzen, both seniors, were named to the conference elite team.  Jenna Peterson, a senior outside hitter, was a Second Team All-NCC selection.  Other team awards were also announced at the banquet.

Ouverson, a Third Team All-NCC player last season, effectively kept the ball in play for the Lions and set up an improved offense this season.  She was also among the team leaders in serving, going 241/272 (88 percent).  She tied for a team-high 38 aces in 84 sets played this season.  Ouverson also won the team’s “Greatest Effort” award, a repeat from last year.

“Carly is a excellent example of what Clear Lake volleyball represents in team effort and all out-hustle for her teammates,” said Coach Swenson.  “I haven’t been able to do a complete research on the all-time assist leaders for CLHS volleyball, but I would be safe to assume she would be in the top 10,  if not the top five of all time.”

Pitzen was recognized by NCC coaches as being one of the best middle hitters in the conference.  She led the Lions with 353 attack attempts and 201 kills in 84 sets (2.4 per set average).  She was also effective at the service line, with 92 percent efficiency (239/262) and 28 aces.

“She would always come through with a big kill for the team at the right time,” said Coach Swenson.  “She also won the team offense MVP-- a repeat award winner from last year.”

Swenson called Peterson “the backbone of the Clear Lake volleyball team,” adding that coaches from the NCC felt  she deserved credit for having a huge impact in the success of the Lions this season.  Peterson also received the team All-Spirit Award as a team leader on and off the volleyball court.

Peterson led the team in serving percentage (94), going 285/303 in 84 sets played.  She also averaged just over two kills per game and made 334 attack attempts.  

Other team awards made during the volleyball banquet included Megan Kopriva as MVP for defense.

“Megan played libero for us this season and always gave an all-out effort in the backrow with her aggressive digging,” said Coach Swenson.

Bailey Kibsgaard was given the most improved award.  

“Bailey showed signs of being a dangerous player in the front row with her kills and aggressive play at the net.  She should be a outstanding player for the team next season,” said Swenson. 

“With Brianna Haugen, Taylor Julsen, Emily Willms and Jeanette Davis all completing their final season of volleyball for CLHS, they will be extremely missed next season,” added the coach. 

The Lions finished the 2012 season with a record of 17-15.  They were sixth in a balanced NCC this year with a 5-4 mark.  Iowa Falls-Alden won the NCC title with a 9-0 record.  Humboldt was 7-2 and three teams, Webster City, Algona and Clarion-Goldfield were 6-3.

“Next season, with Jeni Hamlin, Ivy Hogg,  Sidney Borrill,  Emily Phalen,  Madison Faber and Jaci Ullrich returning from a successful JV season,  plus the addition of other standout JV and freshmen players, the future of Clear Lake volleyball looks pretty solid,” said Swenson.