Big win for Bryan: Rawley named NCCAA Player of the Week
Kathryn Rawley, Jr. libero for Bryan College’s volleyball team, was named the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) national player of the week for her efforts last week in guiding the team to a 3-1 record.
The Lions returned to the court last night at home after a tough round of conference games last weekend. Visiting Johnson Bible College found quickly that the Lions were too strong for them, and were swept handily by Bryan 3-0 (30-6, 30-15, 30-11). Behind 12 service points by Abby Humphrey in game 1, the Lions quickly built a 19-2 lead before Bryan’s Coach Sayles could effectively substitute. The Lions cruised to victory in the most lopsided victory in Sayles’ tenure as head coach. Sayles played the entire roster for Bryan, and every hitter had at least one kill. Amber Smith led the Lions with 12 kills and 5 total blocks. Robin Renfroe also tallied 9 kills and 3 total blocks. Jennifer Loveday dished 32 assists, along with 7 digs. The Lions attained another goal, eclipsing last year's total win output with the win.
Rawley, who is also one of Bryan’s team captains, missed the first part of the season with a finger injury. Since her return to the court, the Lions are 8-1 in overall play, with their only loss Saturday against AAC #1 and NAIA #24 King College in a close match. Friday night, Rawley collected 33 digs to tie the team record held by teammate Abby Humphrey, then just missed the same feat vs. King with 32 digs. She rounded out the week with 27 digs in a 3-2 win over Virginia Intermont college and 18 in the Tennessee Wesleyan victory. Rawley also served 66/67 from the serving line, and was 94% in serve receptions. Rawley is currently ranked #5 in the NCCAA in digs per match, and would be ranked 3rd in the AAC, but has not played in enough matches to be considered in rankings.
“Kathryn has been a true utility player for us for the past two seasons. It is nice to truly tap into her greatest abilities on the floor, and to utilize her leadership in an effective way,” commented Bryan’s coach Leo Sayles. “It makes a big difference to have her on the floor guiding the team from the backrow.”
Rawley and the 12-7 Lions travel to Tennessee Temple on Thursday to continue their long-standing local rivalry. The Lions broke into the NCCAA Top Ten this week as the #10 team overall, and continue to hold top ten ratings in 5 of six statistical categories in the NCCAA.
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Date: September 18-24, 2006 |
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Sport/Division: Volleyball I |
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Name |
Year |
Institution |
Sport |
Division |
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Kelani Keoho |
Fr |
Southwestern Assemblies of God University |
Volleyball |
I |
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April Melquist |
Fr |
Malone College |
Volleyball |
I |
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Kathryn Rawley |
Jr |
Bryan College |
Volleyball |
I |
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Sarah Zosel |
Sr |
Northwestern College (MN) |
Volleyball |
I |
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Summary for Recipient: Kathryn Rawley, Junior Libero Player for the Lady Lions of Bryan College helped her team to a 3-1 week. Kathryn set a PR, tying the team record in digs (33 in a match), then almost tied it again vs. NAIA #24 King College in a 1-3 match. This loss stripped the Lions from having a 7 game win streak. Scores of the other matches were: Tennessee Wesleyan College 3-0, Milligan College 3-2, Virginia Intermont College 3-2. |
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Team Standings |
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1 |
Cedarville University |
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2 |
Indiana Wesleyan University |
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3 |
Spring Arbor University |
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4 |
Mt. Vernon Nazarene University |
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5 |
Roberts Wesleyan College |
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6 |
Simpson University |
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7 |
Malone College |
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8 |
Oakland City University |
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9 |
Southwestern Assemblies of God |
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10 |
Bryan College |
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