KALONA

Showing great progression from one season to another Hillcrest volleyball increased its win total by six from a year ago and finished this season with double digit victories. Being acknowledged and rewarded for their efforts on the court, four Ravens earned all-conference honors. 

As a team the Ravens had 561 kills, 93 blocks, 1081 digs, and 197 service aces. They finished the year with a 10-14 record and 3-5 conference record.

Making plays on offense and defense when the Ravens needed it the most, Malia Yoder was chosen first-team all-conference as a hitter. Last year she was selected to the second team as a utility player.

Displaying great prowess on the volleyball court opposing teams would be wise to keep constant attention on Yoder during a game. A versatile multi-sport athlete, Yoder led the Ravens in kills (209) and digs (302).

Also proficient at serving, she scored the second most service aces on the team with 46 and finished her junior year with a 90.1% serve efficiency.

Possessing a knack for stopping the opponent’s attack, Hillcrest’s standout blocker Kylee Statler earned first-team all-conference honors. Last year she earned an honorable mention all-conference. 

A force to be reckoned with at the top of the net, Statler led Hillcrest with 40 blocks in her junior campaign, with 28 being solo and 12 being assisted. She was one of five Ravens to surpass 100 digs, ending the year with 139.

On offense Statler was one of the Ravens' go-to point scorers. She registered the second most kills on the team with 111. A big-time server for Hillcrest, Statler recorded the most service aces on the team with 50. 

Earning honorable mention all-conference honors was Lydia Beachy and Claire Withrow. For Withrow this is the second year in a row she has earned an honorable mention.

Beachy in her junior year had the second most digs on the team with 178. On offense she tallied 57 kills and scored 25 service aces.

As a team the Ravens recorded 485 assists and Withrow, Hillcrest’s standout sophomore setter, led the team with 468 assists. When she wasn’t setting up attacks for her teammates, she accounted for 52 kills and served with an efficiency rate of 89.2%, scoring 34 service aces. On defense she managed to record 157 digs.

With no seniors on this year’s roster Hillcrest will head into next year retaining many if not all their players.