Flintridge Sacred Heart volleyball’s Kayla Lund shares Mission League MVP
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy outside hitter Kayla Lund was named the Mission League’s co-most valuable player with Devon Newberry of Marrymount. The junior, who was the league’s most valuable player last season, recorded a team-high 554 kills and led the Tologs to the CIF Southern Section Division I-AA playoffs.
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Kayla Lund has proven to be a valuable asset during her three seasons playing for the Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy volleyball team.
With a combination of power and court awareness, the junior outside hitter has helped the Tologs contend for the Mission League championship and advance to the CIF Southern Section Division I-AA playoffs.
Lund turned in another splendid season for the Tologs, recording a team-high 554 kills en route to being named the league’s co-most valuable player with Devon Newberry of Marymount.
“I worked on a lot of things to improve my game, one of them trying to be a better leader,” said Lund, who added 273 digs and 37 aces to help Flintridge Sacred Heart go 26-9, 6-2 in league for a share of first place with Marymount. “It means a lot to get an honor like that and it’s a tough league.
“I got a lot of help from my teammates and coaches throughout the season and they made me a better player. You go out there and be proud of representing your school and knowing you play for a team with a big tradition.”
Flintridge Sacred Heart Coach Ernest Banaag said Lund, who was named the league’s most valuable player last season, proved to be an influential go-to threat.
Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy senior outside hitter Ali McCollum earned all-Mission League first-team recognition. This season, she registered 255 kills and 36 digs.
“She’s playing in a very tough league and you need to have that player who can step up at the most important times,” said Banaag, whose team fell in five games to San Clemente in the first round of the playoffs. “I’ve seen her every day for the last three years and she’s done so well, but there’s still so much for her to learn.
“It’s a great way for her to be honored after another excellent season.”
Ali McCollum and Clare Lund of Flintridge Sacred Heart earned all-league first-team recognition.
McCollum, a senior outside hitter, registered 255 kills and 36 digs.
“Ali had to be patient after playing behind Katie Conley the last two years,” Banaag said. “She matured a whole lot and showed she could come in and handle the position and different game situations.”
Clare Lund, a senior setter, finished with 176 digs, 82 kills and 37 aces.
“Clare went from being a defensive specialist to setter and she found ways to make herself,” Banaag said, “and her teammates much better.”
Ellis DeJardin and Katherine Lund were selected to the second team.
DeJardin, a sophomore outside hitter, collected 251 kills and 160 digs.
Katherine Lund, a sophomore defensive specialist, finished with 383 digs and 27 aces.
Junior outside hitter Tori Conlon (131 digs and 61 kills) and junior middle blockers Natalie Buntich (52 kills) and Clara Gross (52 kills) received honorable mention.
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Charles Rich, charles.rich@latimes.com
Twitter: @TCNCharlesRich
