Teams: Volleyball: Press Releases

Monday, November 28, 2005

O'REILLY NAMED AVCA HONORABLE MENTION ALL-AMERICAN

MEDFORD - After an impressive run into the playoffs, resulting in the finest season in Tufts Volleyball history, three Jumbos were recognized with post-season awards. Most prominently, freshman setter Kaitlin O'Reilly (Manhattan Beach, CA/Marymount) earned a spot on the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Honorable Mention All-American squad.

Also, senior co-captains Courtney Evans (Bellaire, TX/Episcopal) and April Gerry (Holmes, NY/Pawling) were honored by the New England Women's Volleyball Association (NEWVA), with Evans earning a spot on the All-New England Second Team and Gerry on the Honorable Mention along with O'Reilly.

In a sensational rookie season for the Jumbos, O'Reilly led Tufts and the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) in assists with a total of 1,401 in 118 games for an average of 11.87 per game. O'Reilly was also a key component to the team's service game and defense. She added 303 digs (2.57 per game), third on the team, and 25 service aces, fourth on the Jumbos, to the cause. The freshman was named NESCAC Player of the Week on September 26 after leading the Jumbos to the Gold Bracket title at the MIT Invitational. Earlier this month, O'Reilly was one of 12 players named to the AVCA's All-New England Team and earned the region's Freshman of the Year award.

Evans has been a staple on the Tufts team for the past four years. An anchor of a strong defense, Evans led her team in blocks, amassing a total of 131 (1.12 per game) on the season, also the second best mark in NESCAC. Also a major offensive contributor, Evans added 227 kills and a team-leading 39 service aces. She was also an All-NESCAC First Team pick.

Also an All-NESCAC First Teamer, Gerry was the most consistent hitter on the Jumbos, leading the regulars with a .277 hitting percentage, the eighth-best conference mark. She compiled a total of 232 kills (1.93 per game) over the course of the 2005 campaign, third on the squad, while her 80 total blocks (0.67 per game) was also third.

The Jumbos, coached by Cora Thompson in her fourth year, set a school record for wins with a 29-7 overall record. They posted a 9-1 record for second place in NESCAC. Also the NESCAC Tournament runner-up, they earned their first NCAA Tournament berth in nine years and advanced to the regional final.

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