Sports

Star Tribune volleyball all-metro first team

November 7, 2017 at 1:59AM

The Star Tribune's All-Metro Volleyball team is, from left, Elizabeth Juhnke, Lakeville North, C.C. McGraw, Prior Lake, Kennedi Orr, Eagan, Player of the Year McKenna Melville, Eagan, Kayla Bair, Prior Lake, and Grace Persson, Eden Prairie. ] JEFF WHEELER ï jeff.wheeler@startribune.com The Star Tribune's All-Metro Volleyball Team gathered for a portrait at the Ralia Sports Center in Maple Grove Sunday afternoon, November 5, 2017. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

first team

ELIZABETH JUHNKE

Lakeville North, Jr.

Outside hitter

Committed to South Dakota. "Might be the best offensive outside hitter in the state," one competitor's coach said. Led the Panthers to their first state tournament berth since 2012 with 383 kills, 33 service aces, 252 digs and 46 total blocks.

CC MCGRAW

Prior Lake, Sr.

Libero

Committed to Minnesota. A repeat all-metro selection, McGraw battled early-season injuries. Has come back strong with her ability to not only anticipate and respond to opposing kill attempts, but turn difficult digs into perfect passes.

KENNEDI ORR

Eagan, Fr.

Setter

Committed to Nebraska. A gifted athlete with innate volleyball sense and exceptional poise. Makes difficult plays seem common. Pin-point setter and intimidating when attacking. Considered the nation's top player in the class of 2021.

McKENNA MELVILLE

Eagan, Sr.

Outside hitter

Committed to Central Florida. Daughter of coach Kathy Gillen, Melville has been around volleyball all her life. Exceptionally versatile, with few weaknesses. Terrific on defense and an adept passer, she sets well and hits with authority.

KAYLA BAIR

Prior Lake, Sr.

Middle blocker

Committed to Michigan. Perhaps the state's most intimidating blocker, she forces opposing offenses to move their attack away from her block. Has 324 kills and 75 total blocks on the season.

GRACE PERSSON

Eden Prairie, Sr.

Outside hitter

Committed to Michigan. A one-person wrecking crew at the net. A relentless attacker with the ability to hit through the block. Demonstrated improved all-around defense this season, particularly when playing from the back row.

JIM PAULSEN