Teams: Volleyball: Press Releases

November 20, 2003
Written by Julie Fox

EVANS, HARRISON NAMED TO AVCA ALL-REGION VOLLEYBALL TEAMS

MEDFORD -- Two members of the Tufts University Volleyball team were honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) as All-Region players: sophomore Courtney Evans (Bellaire, TX/Episcopal) and freshman Kelli Harrison (Blue Jay, CA/Rim of the World). Evans was named First Team All-New England, while Harrison was named Honorable Mention.

Playing in 114 of a possible 116 games, Evans averaged 2.63 kills per game, second on the team, and 1.26 blocks per game, first on the team. Her total of 144 blocks outdistances the nearest teammate by 75 blocks. She also averaged 0.32 service aces per game, tied for second on the team. With New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) rival Williams College still playing in the NCAA Tournament, Evans ranks fourth in the conference in blocks per game and second in hitting percentage (.365). Evans' most dominating game came in a tight 3-2 loss to NESCAC member Colby College on September 27, when she led the team in kills (23) and blocks (9). She also had a strong showing the in Jumbos' NESCAC playoff game against Amherst on November 7, chipping in 14 kills while committing only two errors in the 3-2 loss.

Harrison capped off an outstanding freshman season with multiple honors. She was also named to the All-NESCAC First Team, as well as to the New England Women's Volleyball Association's (NEWVA) Honorable Mention team. Harrison's 3.65 kills per game led the Jumbos and ranks sixth in the conference, while her .320 hitting percentage was third on the team and ranks ninth in the conference. Harrison recorded double-digit kills in all but six matches, starting off her career with a strong 16 kills against a very tough MIT squad on September 9. Despite her offensive prowess, she also held her own on the defensive side, chipping in 2.35 digs per game, third-most on the team. Her 0.32 service aces per game tied her with Evans for second on the team.

Head Coach Cora Thompson's team finished the season with a first-round exit from the NESCAC tournament, taking Amherst to five games before falling, 3-2. The team finished 20-11, two losses better than last season, and recorded big wins over Wellesley College, a team the Jumbos hadn't beaten since the 1996 season, and Bates College, who finished second in the conference.

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