Volleyball players earn AAC player of the week, AVCA honors

Junior Libero Kathryn Rawley and Freshman Middle Hitter Amber Smith earned Libero and Player of the week honors this week in the Appalachian Athletic Conference.   The pair helped lead the Lions to a weekend sweep at Montreat, Brevard, and Brewton-Parker at Brevard.  Freshman DS Freshman DS Heather Hacker also was acknowledged this week for her outstanding performance in the Lions 5-game loss to Union College.

Rawley, the Lions' co-captain, saw action in her first games of the season after breaking a finger August 22 in a preseason scrimmage vs. Tennessee Temple.  Cleared to play last Wednesday, Rawley played with her finger heavily bandaged to allow the finger to continue healing.  Despite the bandaged hand, she was almost flawless in serve-receptions (97%)with a 2.68 pass rating, and served 98% on the weekend (50/51). She also averaged 4.8 digs a game during the Lions first weekend sweep in three years.

Smith continues to improve as a Middle hitter, and has begun to establish herself as a defensive wall as her blocks develop.  Smith led the Lions in kills in their 5-game loss to Union College, then was almost perfect in two separate matches on Saturday.  She totalled 62 kills on 116 attempts with only 12 hitting errors.  Smith also led the Lions in service aces with 9, and contributed 5 solo blocks and 14 assisted blocks during the Lions' run last week. 

"I am very proud of both Kathryn and Amber," commented Coach Sayles.  "We had passed well while Kathryn was out, yet still improved dramatically when she was back on the floor. Her leadership and court vision sets her apart from many players, and makes her invaluable to have on the floor.  Amber is still developing, and yet has established herself as a power in the middle.  It will be very difficult for teams to defend against her."

Despite giving up her libero position to Rawley, Freshman Heather Hacker produced outstanding results the past few weeks.  In the loss to Union, Hacker broke into the national scene with her 31-dig performance.  Hers was one of three reported 30+ dig matches so far this season in the AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association).  "I brought Heather in for just such a contingency, and she has already paid tremendous dividends for us.  Heather is a hard worker with solid passing skills and plays tenacious defense.  Even though Kat is back in the libero position, Heather has earned the pivotal DS spot for us, and completes a very solid passing core."  Hacker is listed on the avca website: http://www.avca.org/collegiate/06NAIA30dig.asp

To see the write-up at the aac website, go to: http://www.aacsports.com/article/251.php


Kathryn Rawley #26 of Bryan: Winner at the Conference level,
a 5-5 JR Libero from Staunton, VA

Team Record: Week:3-1 Overall: 6-6

NAIA National Ranking:0

Amber Smith # 7 of Bryan: Winner at the Conference level,
a 6-1 FR Middle Hitter from Pompano Beach, FL

Team Record: Week:3-1 Overall: 6-6

NAIA National Ranking:0