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Chart: All-Metro volleyball first team

By JIM PAULSEN, Star Tribune, 11/04/14, 12:38AM CST

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Volleyball metro players of the year from the left; Brittany McLean, Rosemount, Monica Burich, Roseville, Samantha Seliger-Swenson, Hopkins, Sarah Kelly, Chaska, Sydney Hilley, Champlin Park, Lara Schultz, Prior Lake, photographed in the studio in Minneap

BRITTANY MCLEAN, Rosemount

6-1, outside hitter, junior

Her strong all-around play led Rosemount to a 21-10 record. Racked up 464 kills with a kill percentage of .296 despite routinely facing defenses designed to stop her. A varsity starter since eighth grade, she gave a verbal commitment to Minnesota in the spring.

MONICA BURICH, Roseville

6-2, middle hitter, senior

A superb all-around athlete who hits with power and can finish anywhere on the court. Primarily a basketball player. She has made a verbal commitment to Colorado in that sport. Didn’t take up volleyball until seventh grade. Had 381 kills, 111 blocks this season. Topped 1,000 career kills. An intimidating presence as a blocker.

SAMANTHA SELIGER SWENSON, Hopkins

6-0, setter, senior

A three-time All-Metro selection. Started as a seventh-grader for the Royals. Incredible volleyball IQ with unmatched anticipation and the athletic ability to turn poor passes into great sets. A three-time prep volleyball All-American selection, she has played for Team USA and led her club team, Northern Lights, to a national championship in 2012. Will play for the Gophers.

SARAH KELLY, Chaska

5-11, middle hitter, senior

Often overlooked because of Chaska’s depth but is one of the most dynamic hitters in the state. Had 345 kills, putting her over 1,000 in her career. Terrific leaper who an opposing coach described as possibly “the most physically gifted player in the state.” Remarkably consistent with 343 kills as a junior. Will play at Minnesota-Duluth.

SYDNEY HILLEY, Champlin Park

5-11, setter/hitter, sophomore

All-around threat who can play every position. Primarily a setter with more than 500 assists this season. Also leads the Rebels in kills with 454 and aces with 50. Gave a verbal commitment to Wisconsin in the spring of her freshman year. Led Champlin Park to its first state tourney berth since 2001.

LARA SCHULTZ, Prior Lake

6-1, outside hitter, junior

Vital cog in the Lakers’ emergence as one of the top programs in the state. Extremely strong at the net with a powerful arm swing. Exceptional leader who came through whenever the Lakers, who finished 27-3, needed a big point. Led the team with 339 kills, 73 service aces and 31 blocks. Undecided on college.

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