Carson-Newman’s James earns All-Region honors
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman's Nikki James has been named to the 2011 Daktronics NCAA Division II Southeast Region Volleyball team. James was the nation's leading blocker for much of the second straight season. She is averaging 1.61 blocks per set, which is second in Division II (by .01). She has 69 block solos and 111 block assists on the year.
ROCK HILL, S.C. – Carson-Newman's Nikki James has been named to the 2011 Daktronics NCAA Division II Southeast Region Volleyball team.
James was the nation's leading blocker for much of the second straight season. She is averaging 1.61 blocks per set, which is second in Division II (by .01). She has 69 block solos and 111 block assists on the year.
The Cookeville, Tenn. native has propelled the Lady Eagles to a 17-14 record. She recorded double figures in blocks five times this season, including a season-high 13 in a win against Erskine in September. She eight or more blocks in a single match nine times.
On top of being one of the nation's top defensive players, James was third on the team in kills with 204. She hit .260 and averaged 1.81 kills per game on the season.
C-N head coach Shannon Mincey on Nikki James:
"Nikki is well deserving of such an award. I couldn't be more genuinely happy for her and her supporting crew who helped her obtain this award…It is nice to see a player from our team recognized in the post season after the adversity we faced this year. Through the challenge of injuries our team had to accept different lineups. Nikki spent her senior year immersed in doing her best for our team no matter the change up. She has always been a total team player, never thought of herself first nor allowed personal achievements to take precedence over the team's goals. She was a leader through her servanthood, a true example of work ethic during practice."
2011 Daktronics NCAA Division II All-Southeast Region Volleyball Team
First Team
Pos. Name, School
RS Anna Hilton, Wingate
OH Dianna Craine, Flagler
RS Brendyce Budd, Armstrong
MH Brittany Wolf, Armstrong
MH Crystal Niederriter, Flagler
S Liz Willis, Wingate
L/DS Caitlyn Dean, Tusculum
2011 Southeast Region Player of the Year: Liz Willis, Sr., Raleigh, N.C.
Second Team
Pos. Name, School
OH Cory McGowan, Wingate
OH Jessica Santaniello, Armstrong
OH Taylor Clendenin, Lees-McRae
MH Nikki James, Carson-Newman
MH Blaire Fowler, Lincoln Memorial
MH Manyi Ati, Montevallo
S Olivia Snipes, Flagler
L/DS Casey Gnann, Flagler
