Alaska News

Lynx's Afoa developing into a volleyball star

Sierra Afoa is no longer the Dimond volleyball team's secret weapon.

Since the 5-foot-9 junior took over as a starting outside hitter for the Lynx this season, other teams have taken notice, Dimond coach Kim Lauwers said.

When the Cook Inlet Conference tournament begins today at Service High, stopping Afoa is sure to be a priority for the opposition.

"Teams have a hard time defending her," Lauwers said. "Sierra is lefthanded and there's just a handful of them, compared to the right-handers you have to defend. There's an advantage there."

Afoa owns a hitting percentage of around .300 and has produced 44 blocks while playing exclusively on the front line. Her best performance came against Soldotna in the championship match of last month's Dimond-Service tournament. She notched 10 kills with no errors for an attack percentage of .611, helping the Lynx win the tournament.

"She's really not that tall, but she plays bigger than she is," Lauwers said. "She's not fearful of anybody."

Afoa was part of Dimond's third straight state championship last season, but mostly contributed from a reserve role.

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"I'm playing a lot more this year and my confidence in my playing altogether has improved," she said. "My team is very encouraging."

A big reason for the limited playing time was the presence of Deanna Nielson, Alaska's Gatorate player of the year last season. Along with playing setter, Nielson also logged time in Afoa's current position on the right side. Afoa admits there is some added pressure in trying to follow Nielson, who now plays Division I volleyball for Gonzaga University.

"You have a lot of responsibility," Afoa said. "It's not all on you, but it feels like it is."

One of Afoa's greatest attributes, however, is her ability to play well under fire and execute the coach's game plan.

"You don't see her sweat," Lauwers said. "She's very smart, and she can make adjustments from one play to another."

Lauwers was most impressed during a September tournament in California, where Afoa asserted herself in a tremendous way.

"They couldn't stop her there," Lauwers said. "She probably was our high kill leader the whole tournament."

Afoa's standout play is also notable because volleyball isn't even her primary sport.

"For only playing three months a year, she plays like a veteran player," Lauwers said.

Also one of Dimond's top softball players, Afoa's favorite sport is basketball, a game she works on virtually year round. Volleyball and softball rank second and third on Afoa's list of favorites, but they aren't too far behind basketball.

"Sports are pretty much my life," she said.

One aspect of volleyball Afoa likes better than basketball is the way the fast-paced nature of on-court action creates a strong bond among teammates during a match. Dimond's team unity has been tested in just three losses this season, one to Chugiak and two to South.

South and Dimond have a healthy and growing rivalry, Afoa said. South beat Dimond in last season's CIC championship match, but Dimond turned the tables to win a thrilling state championship match against the Wolverines. The Lynx always get extra excited for showdowns with South.

"It's intense," Afoa said. "It feels like our team is a lot more focused on the games."

Dimond closed the regular season last week with its second loss to South, but the Lynx could earn a rematch if they win their next two matches. The Wolverines are the top seed in the CIC tournament, putting them on the opposite side of the bracket from Dimond. If each team wins its next two matches, they'll meet in Saturday's CIC championship.

Reach Jeremy Peters at jpeters@adn.com or 257-4335.

CIC volleyball tournament pairings

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At Service High

Wednesday

No. 1 South vs. No. 8 Bartlett, 4 p.m.

No. 2 Dimond vs. No. 7 Service, 6 p.m.

Thursday

No. 4 Eagle River vs. No. 5 East, 4 p.m.

No. 3 Chugiak vs. No. 6 West, 6 p.m.

By JEREMY PETERS

Anchorage Daily News

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