Southeast Iowa nabs 13 all–state picks

A banner year for prep volleyball in southeast Iowa concluded recently with 13 selections from The Hawk Eye area to the Iowa Girls Coaches Association All–State team.

Class 1A state semifinalist Holy Trinity and quarterfinalist New London fielded a combined nine choices, while state quarterfinalists Mediapolis (2A) and Mount Pleasant (3A) tacked on a combined three all–state picks.

Holy Trinity senior Karla Steffensmeier, a 5–foot–9 outside hitter, earned all–state status for the third straight season, while teammate Cassie Pratt, a junior setter, joined her in receiving first team honors. The Crusaders' senior libero, Amanda Hierstein, was selected to the second team, and sophomores Emily Fullenkamp and Jessica Panther were special mention.

New London captain Jackie Lerdal, a senior outside hitter, earned second team status, while juniors Alyssa Oge (setter) and Jenna Blint (middle), and sophomore Murphye Olsen (outside hitter) were special mention selections.

Seniors Lindsay Boldt, an outside hitter, and Sara Graf, a setter, earned second–team honors in 3A. Both Boldt and Graf are repeat selections to the all–state team.

Mediapolis senior Bethany Weber, a 6–1 middle hitter, nabbed special mention status. Also in 2A, Ashley Gerst, an outside hitter for Wapello, garnered honorable mention status.