WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- Lydia Hayes and Rosa Brey, two members of a young Whitman College volleyball team, have earned All-Northwest Conference Honorable Mention recognition.
Hayes, a sophomore outside hitter, and Brey, a first-year middle blocker, are two of 10 first- and second-year players on the Whitman roster this fall. The Missionaries, who finished in a fifth-place tie in the NWC, had just two juniors and no seniors on the roster.
"Rosa and Lydia are two of the most talented young players in the conference," Whitman coach Dean Snider said. "They both had good, strong seasons, and we look forward to having them lead our team into the future."
Brey led the NWC in blocks, averaging 1.12 per game. As a team, Whitman topped the conference in blocks per game, averaging 2.22. In one four-game victory in mid-October, the Missionaries combined for 17 blocks.
Brey also posted Whitman's second-highest marks in kills (2.83 kpg), digs (2.35 dpg) and total service aces (26). In one four-game victory in mid-September, Brey combined 17 kills with 11 digs and four solo blocks. In October, she sparked a four-game victory with 20 kills, 11 digs and three block assists.
Hayes, who averaged 3.94 kills per game, led the NWC in kills for much of the season. She finished third in the final set of conference statistics.
Hayes also led Whitman in service aces with 29 and she was third on the team in digs, averaging 2.31 per game. Early in the season, she was named to the all-tournament team at the Puget Sound Invitational, where her efforts included a 24-kill effort in one five-game victory. Later in September Hayes fueled a four-game Missionary triumph with 21 kills, 13 digs and three solo blocks.
Hayes and Brey were among eight players who received Honorable Mention recognition. A total of 13 players, including 10 seniors, earned First- and Second-Team honors.
Hayes, a graduate of Bishop Kelly High School in Boise, Idaho, is the daughter of Mark Hayes and Kathleen Geier-Hayes of Boise.
Brey, a graduate of Bozeman (Mont.) High School, is the daughter of Ronald Brey and Claire Cantrell of Bozeman.
Dave Holden, Whitman Sports Information, (509) 527-5902
Email: holden@whitman.edu