Wildcats announce volleyball awards for 2012 team

The Chisago Lakes volleyball squad made some big strides this year, and for it, they were rewarded with some honors off the court. Sydney Powell and Nicole Johnson were both recognized as All-North Suburban Conference performers for the 2012 season. Powell, an outside hitting junior, led the team with 272 kills on the year. She often spiked with a ferocity that made it tough for the defense to react. She wasn’t just an offensive force, though. Powell also led the Wildcats with 167 digs from the back row and was a big reason the Wildcats could quickly transition to offense. She was also fourth on the team in blocks with 21 and was second on the team in aces with 31. Johnson, who is also a junior, was primarily the team’s setter. She took over the job last year and really grew into it this year. She had 493 assists, which came out to be 6.5 assists per set for the Wildcats. Johnson also had 124 digs, which is uncommon for a setter, as well as 51 kills. Setters usually are receiving the digs or dishing the passes, so Johnson’s high totals in those areas were evidence of her versatility. Also receiving awards for the Wildcats were juniors Tori Kildow and Bryanna Fernstrom. Those two were All-Conference Honorable Mentions. Fernstrom was second on the team with 155 kills and second with 35 blocks. Her presence on the front row made life a nightmare for opposing hitters. Kildow was an all-around performer. She was third on the team with 134 kills, second with 151 digs and she also had a team-high 45 aces from the serving line. In the classroom, the girls as a whole received the Academic All-State Silver Award. Senior Lydia Spading was named to the All-Conference Academic squad.