LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kate Mitchell and Nikki Welch both were named American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Americans, the organization announced Tuesday.
Welch was selected for the second team, while Mitchell earned honorable mention status.
Welch, a senior setter from Austin, has handed out a nation-best 1,409 assists (10.44/set). She ranks second on the team with 413 digs (3.06/set) and has accumulated 33 service aces. An honorable-mention selection a year ago, Welch has dished out 50 or more assists five times this season, including a career-best 60 in a five-set victory over St. Thomas on Sept. 21. Additionally, she has logged 24 double-doubles, including a 29-assist, 19-dig performance in Southwestern's five-set win to clinch the regional championship against Texas-Dallas on Sunday.
Mitchell, a junior outside hitter from Roseville, Calif., has amassed 449 kills (3.33/set), while hitting at a .276 clip. Mitchell also averages 3.91 points per frame, which ranks fourth in the conference. Additionally, she has posted double-digit winners in 24 of 37 matches, including in each of the last seven contests.
The Pirates (33-4) captured the NCAA Regional Championship last weekend in Richardson and advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinals for the first time in program history. Southwestern will square off with Tufts (27-3) at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Kolf Sports Center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
– SOUTHWESTERN –