Feeling stronger: Outside hitter Alena Pedroza was one of the key contributors for Mother McAuley during its run to a third-place finish at the Asics Challenge.

For the tournament, the 5-foot-9 senior had 25 kills, five blocks and 11 digs. With 40 blocks, she has already far surpassed last season’s total, and with 122 kills she’ll likely do the same in the hitting category.

“I wouldn’t say that I was holding back, but I was trying to find my presence on the court,” Pedroza said. “I think I’ve really found that now, and I’m trying to use it.”

Mighty Macs coach Jen DeJarld can count the ways.

“Right now, I feel she’s playing her best volleyball," DeJarld said. "She’s not just self-confident taking big swings, she’s doing a great job ball-handling and passing. That has been the biggest improvement in her game — passing and ball-handling.”