Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Morgan Middleton of Clarion-Goldfield/Dows hits the ball over the net against Humboldt during the regular season.

Morgan Middleton was an impact player from the time she first stepped on the volleyball court for Clarion-Goldfield/Dows.

Middleton was honored for her efforts by the Iowa Girls Coaches Association as one of eight players named to the elite all-state team on Wednesday.

The senior, who has committed to North Dakota State University to continue her career, was also tabbed to the Class 3A first team after helping lead the Cowgirls to another state appearance. Middleton finished this past season with 491 kills, 34 total blocks, 136 digs, 47 aces and served at a 94 percent clip.

C-G/D, which won the North Central Conference, advanced to the state semifinals. Middleton, a repeat first team selection, also finished her career as the NCC leader in kills.

Joining Middleton was her teammate, Jadyn Jondle, who earned second team honors in 3A. Jondle has committed to play volleyball at South Dakota.

“Morgan making first team all-state and elite team and Jadyn second is attributed to their strong work ethic, determination and knowledge of the game,” C-G/D head coach Katrina TerHark said. “These awards are both very well deserving. It has been an honor coaching both of these girls.

“Throughout their high school career, they strived to be the best and continued to achieve greatness daily. They have a lot of tools in their toolbox to make them successful in their careers after high school. Throughout the season, they continued to show their love and passion for the game and for their teammates.”

Humboldt’s Jori Hajek was a second team selection, with her teammate, Deni McDaniel, landing on the honorable mention squad in 3A. Brianna Boeckman from East Sac County was named honorable mention in 2A, with Newell-Fonda’s Ella Larsen being placed on the 1A second team and Macy Sievers honorable mention.

Jondle finished this past season with 272 digs, 55 aces and a 92 percent service rate.

Humboldt reached the state tournament for the first time this past fall behind Hajek and McDaniel. Hajek led the team with 334 kills, adding 29 aces. She missed just two of her 368 serves on the season.

McDaniel had a team-high 35 aces and was 419 of 431 serving with 868 assists and 34 total blocks.

Boeckman had 224 kills, 35 total blocks and 44 aces for the Raiders. Larsen recorded 298 kills, 74 total blocks and 47 aces, with Sievers adding 212 kills and 37 aces.