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The Chisago Lakes volleyball team concluded its season with a banquet and awards program Thursday, November 9. “It was a great way to celebrate the the individual and team accomplishments of our season,” said Wildcat head coach Nicole DeVries. 

“I am quite proud of our senior class! Not only are they very athletic, they are very smart too,” the coach said.  “We had four all conference academic award winners, Mel Lewis, Jess Peterson, Morgan Baumgard and Kristen Tengwall.” Baumgard and Tengwall were also named Academic All-State.  

Team awards were also given at the event. Krista Swanson won the most improved award. “She finished the season with 12 percent kill efficiency, 80 percent on digs and 34 percent on blocks.  She also received the All-Conference Honorable Mention award,” DeVries commented. 

Sarah Reese also received Honorable Mention recognition. She finished the season with 74 percent serves, 11 percent kill efficiency, 86 percent on digs and 31 percent on blocks.

Peterson and Baumgard earned spots on the All-Conference team.  Peterson served at a 92 percent rate. Her kill efficiency was 22 percent, blocked at 38 percent and was successful on 89 percent of digs. Senior Baumgard, playing libero, finished her season serving 91 percent, had a kill efficiency of 15 percent from the back row, and got 85 percent of her digs. 

Baumgard and Peterson also share the team’s Most Valuable Player award. “Generally we give this to one player on our team. But, the coaching staff felt we couldn't have done as well as we did without Jess in the front row and Morgan taking charge in the back row,” DeVries said.  

“Overall, this has been just a tremendous year.  I have enjoyed working with all of the girls.  We had super leadership from all of our seniors and everyone worked hard every day and gave all they had for the team. They were unselfish and funny and very coachable.  It was just a joy seeing them everyday and helping them to become not only better athletes, but better people.  I wish the best to all of our seniors.  I know they will be successful in their college careers and beyond,” DeVries concluded.  

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