A first for Whitman volleyball

Jillian was recently placed on the AVCA All-West Region team along with 13 other top players from the Northwest Conference and SCIAC conference.  Not only was she voted to the first team, she received 2010 AVCA WEST REGION FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR honors.  This is the first time a Whitman College volleyball player has received this honor, and she is among a group of only 3 Whitties who have even been recognized at this level.  Alex Graves was an Honorable Mention pick in her senior season last year, and Barb Reams was voted to the West Region team in 1999.  We are so proud, and so happy for Jillian, and applaud her teammates that supported her achievements on the court.  Every dig, every time Corie or Olivia held an opponents middle so that the block was late, or not there at all, every time her teammates covered a blocked attack and gave her another chance to swing---these are the wonderful pieces of pure team effort.  It's that combined effort that gave Jillian chances all year to score for her team, and use her skill to get the job done!  These types of post-season awards speak volumes not only about the individual athlete and their skill at this particular game, but also tell us a lot about the team surrounding them.

Here is the full story on our website.

Two Whitties garner post-season honors!

Our post-season Northwest All-Conference selections were just announced, and two members of our 2010 team were honored!!

Jillian working to get around a block!

Jillian---a freshman outside, who has had a stellar first season at Whitman, was voted to the Northwest Conference first team! Jillian was recognized for her strong on-court performances by the coaches of the conference.  As a first year outside Jillian posted double doubles (kills/digs) in 15 matches this season.  She reached the 20+ kill mark on six different occasions, and was awarded NWC athlete of the week Nov 2nd.  Jillian actually recorded 20+ kills and 20+ digs during two matches this season!  She ended the season ranked second in the conference in kills per game, and is one of only 3 players in the conference with over 300 kills on the season.

Corie--a sophomore middle, who led the conference in hitting percentage during the 2009 season, was given Honorable Mention accolades for her performance this year.  Corie was a steady competitor for her team this season---at times playing all the way around.  Early in the season she established herself as one of our top serve receive passers, and worked all year on her defense.  Corie has great court vision, and this is what continues to help her dial in her blocking game.  Corie finished her season ranked 8th in the conference for blocking.  Working with freshman setters this year gave Corie a great challenge in providing leadership, and guidance as a "veteran" player in our quick offensive system.  Her attacking game gained momentum as the season wore on---and she finished with a .204 hitting percentage, placing her 12th in the conference.

Corie displaying her strong blocking technique--helping to establish our team this year as one of the top blocking teams in the conference

Gearing up for two big matches this weekend

We had a great match v the powerhouse Lewis and Clark State team on Wednesday night, stealing a game from them, and pressuring hard in the 4th set, to almost push it to 5.

Much improved over the first meeting, and despite facing an incredibly quick offense, and a few hitters that outsize us considerably---we stepped up defensively, provided enough of our own attacking, and put some real pressure on them with our serving game.

We took it as a chance to get match-prepared for a big weekend, where we can continue our run of wins in the latter half of our schedule, and perhaps cement a 4th place conference finish.  Poised to do some big things next season from the get-go!

Taylor did a wonderful job all night running the offense, working to connect with our middles, and keeping her team in it.  Corie and Olivia had stellar nights again---sticking with a simple game plan but really getting the job done in the middle.  Jillian, Anna C, Rachel S served tough, served aggressively, and got LCST in some serve receive trouble.

We are ready and excited for the matches this weekend!  GO WHITMAN!!!

NWC volleyball athlete of the week goes to....

Our very own Jillian Davis!  Check out the article here.  Supported in a huge way by her team's winning performances on back to back nights Jillian was recognized for her outstanding role in two big conference wins this weekend.  Jillian has posted 20+ kills in six matches this year (one coming this weekend vs Pacific), and in fifteen matches has had double-doubles (kills/digs).  A well-deserved recognition for our Texas freshman.