FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (February 28, 2022) – The Northern Arizona volleyball team had an outstanding 2021 season with great strides made over the past year. One of the biggest differences was the presence of their three strong middle blockers,
Jordan Elder,
Neche Newton and
Savannah Bloom, who each dominated the court in their own ways this season.
Elder ended her sophomore season starting 25 matches and led the team with 81 blocks. Bloom led the team in both hitting percentage (.380) and blocks per set (0.92). Newton totaled 38 blocks and tied for first with 11 solo blocks in her junior year season.
When discussing the past season, each middle blocker described the excitement of working with teammates who are all equally talented in different ways.
"We play into each other's strengths and weaknesses and all compete uniquely against different opponents," Elder said.
Elder, who also commented how her teammates helped her improve her own skills, complemented Newton's athletic ability to attack and Bloom's discipline with her hands when blocking.
All three Lumberjacks were effective offensively, each averaging more than a kill per set and hitting at least .280, and were 1-2-3 on the team in blocks per set.
According to Bloom, all three middles were open to feedback before, during and after matches and practices.
"We each know the level that we play at, so it's helpful to hear words of encouragement when we need it," Bloom said.
While all are close in age, Newton completed her third season with NAU in the fall. Even though she is older – Elder and Bloom both completed their second seasons – she discussed that she feels they are all fairly equal.
"The only thing I feel I have an advantage with is the mindset of playing at a collegiate level," Newton said. "Our team benefits so much from feeling confident and establishing a strong mental mindset."
The team spent the season learning from each other both on and off the court, and while there was friendly competitiveness during practice, it inspired each other to be more consistent with every strength they have.
"Without having teammates that are at the same level as me, I think it would be really hard to stay motivated and continue to grow," Newton said. "As a middle blocker, you are a part of every play. It can get overwhelming."
By having three strong middle blockers, the rotation gave the team an advantage throughout the season.
"Being in the middle position brings momentum to the team when we set up the defense or get blocks. We are good at executing," Bloom said.
All three feel as though they have great communication with each other. Even when one is not on the court, they can count on each other to motivate and help from the sideline.
"They are actively telling us what they see on the other side, what we should do offensively, defensively…they see things that we don't see when we are on the court," Elder said.
Assistant coach
Rachel Dunlap, a former Division I middle blocker herself, works closely with the middle blockers and describes the three of them as a gamechanger for the team. During her final two seasons at Central Connecticut State in 2013 and 2014, she ranked in the top 25 nationally in blocks per set, including ranking sixth in the NCAA with 1.54 blocks per set as a junior.
"It's been a cool dynamic to watch them grow together as they're so close in age," Dunlap mentioned. "Our overall team is just better because of them. They benefit our offense and defense and other teams have to worry about them all of the time."
Ending their season in the Big Sky Quarterfinal, Elder, Newton and Bloom each expressed their excitement and eagerness to get back to the game.
In the fall alone, both Elder and Bloom improved on their block average from the abbreviated spring season. Newton also had more solo blocks in the fall as a junior compared to her sophomore season last spring despite playing in less sets. Together, they were big factors on a team that ranked second in the conference in hitting (.241) and third in opponent hitting (.168) in Big Sky matches.
"I've grown a lot this season. I know what I need to do to succeed and know what feels right," Bloom said. "There is no doubt in my mind that we can win a championship."
"It is important to believe in the foundation that we have already laid down," Newton added when describing her hope for next season. "I'm hoping that by laying down that foundation this past year, it will help bring confidence to all players to believe that we are that good."
With all three middle blockers returning for another season, after using the spring to improve further, the future is bright for the Lumberjacks.
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