Three Blue Raiders pick up All-Sun Belt honors

MIAMI - For the sixth consecutive season, three Blue Raiders earned a spot on the All-Sun Belt volleyball teams, as announced by the league office at the annual banquet on Wednesday evening in Miami.

Ashley Adams and Maria Szivos each earned First Team honors for the second straight season, and Oyinlola Oladinni grabbed a spot on the Second Team for the third year in a row.

"I think that with how well we've done in the conference over the years, other coaches in the league feel that we have players that can win championships here," head coach Matt Peck said. "This year, Ashley, Maria and Oyinlola were fortunate enough to be recognized, and all three of them have had outstanding careers for us so far. It's well deserved for all three of them."

After evolving from a seldom used sub to an All-SBC First Teamer last season, Adams improved even more as a junior, becoming one of the most intimidating outside hitters in the conference. The San Luis Obispo, Calif., native averaged 3.89 kills per set while hitting at an outstanding .303 clip. She was also a force to be reckoned with at the net, totaling 77 blocks including 16 of the solo variety, the most by a Blue Raider since KeKe Deckard posted 18 in the 2004 season.

Szivos, who has now been on an All-Sun Belt Team in each of the past three seasons, had another strong season, playing in every point for all 98 sets so far this year. The senior is second on the team in kills per set, averaging 2.80 at a .283 rate to go along with 1.84 digs per set and 0.55 blocks per set. She also ranked second on the team in service aces with 19.

Oladinni made her third consecutive appearance on the All-Sun Belt Second Team, and she will be looking to become just the second Blue Raider in history to earn four tournament championships this weekend. The senior ranks third all time in school history in block assists, and this year was no different as the La Vergne native averaged 1.07 blocks per set. She's been a potent offensive weapon as well with 1.93 kills while hitting .369, which ranks second in the conference. Her 24 service aces is leads the team and is a career high.

Middle Tennessee will begin play at the 2011 Sun Belt Tournament against UALR on Thursday on the campus of FIU in Miami. First serve is set for 11 a.m.

ALL-SUN BELT FIRST TEAM
Cayla Fielder, Arkansas State
Faimie Kingsley, Denver
Jovana Bjelica, FIU
Ashley Adams, Middle Tennessee
Maria Szivos, Middle Tennessee
Tiffany Elmore, Western Kentucky
Jordyn Skinner, Western Kentucky
Melanie Stutsman, Western Kentucky

ALL-SUN BELT SECOND TEAM
Edina Begic, UALR
Ashley Tipps, Arkansas State
Allison Kearney, Arkansas State
Oyinlola Oladinni, Middle Tennessee
Eboni Godfrey, North Texas
Courtney Cohen, Troy
Ashley Potts, Western Kentucky
Lindsay Williams, Western Kentucky

Sun Belt Player of the Year: Jordyn Skinner, Western Kentucky
Ashley Potts, Western Kentucky
Sun Belt Freshman of the Year: Edina Begic, UALR
Sun Belt Coach of the Year: Justin Ingram, Arkansas State

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