Volleyball team finished 4th at Nationals, have 2 players named All American
The Century College Wood Duck Volleyball team concluded their 2022 season with their first appearance at NJCAA DIII National Volleyball Tournament, coming away with a 4th place finish. After winning their quarterfinal match (25-14, 25-17, 25-16) against Dutchess Community College from New York, the Ducks lost (16-25, 18-25, 20-25) to the College of DuPage (IL) in the semifinals. The loss put the Ducks in the 3rd place game vs Dallas Brookhaven (TX), where Century lost in 5 sets (25-20, 21-25, 25-15, 21-25, 8-15). Freshmen Jamie Ihfe (Wyoming, MN) was recognized for her play during the week and was selected to the all-tournament team. She had 36 kills, 16 digs, and 5 service aces in the three matches.
Coach Jay Kam was pleased with the way the team played all season. "We started the season hoping to make it to regionals. As we got going, we just kept getting better and the team started to come together. Finishing fourth is a great accomplishment and having the opportunity to make it to Nationals and participate was invaluable. We learned a lot and it gave the players some memories that they will remember for a long time."
Recently, the NJCAA All-Americans were announced. Sophomores Emma Crandell (Forest Lake, MN) and Simone Mortel (Vadnais Heights, MN) were both selected to the All-American 2nd team. "With a season full of awards and recognition, these selections tell us our program is going in the right direction. Stats and recognition are great, but our athletes know that these awards are team awards. Without their teammates, all the recognition and success this season would not have been possible." Says Coach Kam
Emma Crandell led the team this season with 341 kills. She was second on the team with 360 digs. "Emma has been a cornerstone for our program for the last two years. Her offense and defense on the court made it so we could set the tempo and play the way we wanted to. She is going do great things as she moves on to play at the next level." -Coach Kam.
Simone Mortel led the team in hitting efficiency at .308. "We only had Simone for one year, but she made such an impact this season. She stepped up in our matches against ranked opponents and was able to take them over." – Coach Kam