Teams: Volleyball: Press Releases

Thursday, November 9, 2006

AVCA ALL-REGION TEAM SELECTS HARRISON, WYSHAM

MEDFORD – The 2006 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced its All-Region teams on Wednesday and two Tufts University players were recognized in New England. Senior outside hitter Kelli Harrison (Blue Jay, CA/Rim of the World) was one of 12 players voted on to the All-New England team. Junior middle blocker Katie Wysham (Spokane, WA/St. Georges School) earned an Honorable Mention selection.

Harrison was chosen as one of the best in the region for the third time. She was on the All-Region team as a sophomore in 2004 and was Honorable Mention as a freshman in 2003. Announced as an All-NESCAC First Team selection for the third time yesterday, Harrison is second in the conference in kills per game this fall with a 4.32 average. Her .254 hitting percentage was also top 10, and she contributed in a major way defensively with 3.63 digs per game that were second on the Jumbos. Her 32 service aces were also second on the team as she led the Jumbos with her all-around game.

Wysham, All-NESCAC for the first time when she was picked for the Second Team, is also receiving her first All-Region accolade. She was a towering force at the net for Tufts in 2006, recording one of the best blocking seasons in team history. She ranks second in NESCAC with 1.34 blocks per game for a total of 147. Wysham was also one of the league's better offensive players, and is currently sixth in the conference with her .281 hitting percentage. She finished the season with 321 kills for an average of 2.92 per game. Also a very effective server, her 35 aces led the team.

Tufts fell short of its expectations in 2006 primarily due to injuries, including one to Harrison that prevented her from playing in the NESCAC Tournament. It was an unfortunate end to a great career. The Jumbos lost to Connecticut College in the first round, 3-2, finishing their season with a 23-8 record.

The Jumbos also played most of the season without sophomore Caitlin Dealy (Santa Barbara, CA/Santa Barbara), an All-Second second teamer in 2005. Junior setter Kaitlin O'Reilly (Manhattan Beach, CA/Marymount) also missed the final four matches, including the NESCAC Tournament.

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