CSU's Kennedy receives AVCA All-America honorable mention

Dec. 14, 2005

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INDIANAPOLIS -- Another day, another accolade for Cleveland State University senior Nickole Kennedy. On Wednesday (Dec. 14) the Sunbury, Ohio native became only the second volleyball All-America selection in school history, garnering an honorable mention from the American Volleyball Coaches Association.

A member of the 2005 AVCA All-Midwest Region team and the Horizon League Player of the Year, Kennedy topped the League with a .318 hitting percentage and ranked third with 3.83 kills per game while leading the Vikings to their best season in over two decades (19-10, 11-3). During League competition, those numbers increased to 4.11 kills per game on a .323 hitting percentage, along with 1.15 blocks per game.

During the season, Kennedy recorded double-digit kills in 18 matches, including five with 20 or more, capped off by a season-high 23 kills, a .390 hitting percentage and five blocks in a Viking loss to Wright State in the semifinals of the Horizon League Championship.

Kennedy was the only League player to be recognized with honorable mention status. Her selection marks the second consecutive season in which a Viking has earned the honor, with former middle-blocker Jamie Bouyer being recognized in 2004. Bouyer was joined on last year's list by Areal Bienemy of Butler University, Lauren Holbrook of Loyola University Chicago and Karen Fruit of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Each year, the AVCA recognizes 100 student athletes with All-America honors. The First, Second and Third-Teams all consist of 12 players, while 64 are awarded honorable mentions.

AVCA All-America list