After a promising freshman season as an opposite hitter, a positional switch to middle blocker seemed to unlock
Ruby Duncan's potential in 2021.
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The elevation of her game in year two was recognized by the Golden State Athletic Conference on Tuesday, as Duncan was named to the All-GSAC Women's Volleyball Team.
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"She was asked to change positions this year, which for some could be a hard pill to swallow but Ruby decided to take on the challenge," Master's Head Coach
Annett Davis said. "She did a phenomenal job as a middle blocker.
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"God has gifted Ruby with some amazing talent. She is a sensational athlete. She has developed a lot as a player, but more importantly as a person this season."
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Duncan was a consistent force for Master's both offensively and defensively. She ranked second on the team and 13th in the GSAC this season in kills (250). Her team-leading .226 attacking % was the eighth-best mark in the conference.
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The Santa Clarita native also led the team with 44 service aces (seventh-most in a single season in program history) and 77 total blocks. Her 0.42 service aces per set was the seventh-best average in the conference, while her 0.73 blocks per set was 10th best in the GSAC.
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"She is a true utility player who we've used as an opposite, middle, outside hitter and occasionally she even gets to set," Davis said. "Not only is she physical talented, her game IQ is high which helps her to make smart choices at the right times."
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Duncan recorded double-digit kills in 10 games, including in seven of the last eight and six-straight from Oct. 16-Nov. 5. On Oct. 23, she tallied a career-high 15 kills. In her next match, on Oct. 29 against Arizona Christian University, her seven service aces set a new personal-best before she tied her career-best in blocks with six against No. 19 OUAZ the next day.
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"Ruby is a vital part of this team," Davis said. "I am proud of the job she did this season and happy that the other coaches in the GSAC recognized her contributions as well."
