Nov. 16, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Samford University freshman Sara Sears was named to the 2005 Ohio Valley Conference All-Newcomer team, it was announced by the league office Wednesday.

Sears, an outside hitter from Fairhope, Ala., was honored by OVC volleyball coaches and sports information directors following her success in the 2005 season.

"We're very proud of Sara and her accomplishments this season," said Samford head coach Michelle Durban. "This is a direct reflection of her work ethic and the time that she has put in to improving her volleyball skills. This is a step in the right direction for Samford volleyball, and we're very happy that the conference has recognized Sara."

In 2005, Sears led the Bulldogs in kills, with 426, and kills per game, with 3.64. Sears also tallied 17 double-doubles to lead the team. The Fairhope, Ala., native was second on the team in digs, totaling 323 this season.

Sears's 3.64 kills per game were seventh overall in the OVC. She was also third in total kills, with 426. The 5-9 outside hitter was also listed in the top-10 in the conference in service aces per game with .32 and was seventh in points per game with 4.12. Her 483 points were fourth in the conference.

Sears also established herself in the Samford record books as well. Her 426 kills is sixth on the all-time list for kills in a single season. She also broke the school record for total attacks in a season, with 1,199. The previous total was 1,144, set in 1996 by Natalie Rives.

Five other athletes received All-Newcomer honors and Morehead State's Ashley Doscher was named OVC Freshman of the Year. Tennessee State juniors Kelley Smith and Tiana Maua and Murray State freshmen Alison Mugler and Heather Norris were the others named to the All-Newcomer team.

Jacksonville State sophomore Abby Breit was name OVC Player of the Year and Eastern Kentucky sophomore Brittany Nobilio was named OVC Defensive Player of the Year. Additionally Tennessee State's Kathy Roulhac was named OVC Coach of the Year.

ALL-NEWCOMER
Ashley Doscher, Morehead State, OH, Fr.
Tiana Maua, Tennessee State, S, Jr.
Kelley Smith, Tennessee State, MH, Jr.
Alison Mugler, Murray State, OH, Fr.
Heather Norris, Murray State, LIB, Fr.
Sara Sears, Samford, OH, Fr.

ALL-OVC, FIRST TEAM
Abbey Breit, Jacksonville State, MB, So.
Liz Guard, Eastern Kentucky, MB, Sr.
Jessica Koeper, Southeast Missouri, OH, Jr.
Megan Kennedy, Eastern Illinois, MH, Sr.
Brittany Nobilio, Eastern Kentucky, LIB, So.
Kelly Jennings, Eastern Kentucky, S, Jr.

ALL-OVC, SECOND TEAM
Jamie Baumstark, Southeast Missouri, S, Jr.
Kelly Davis, Tennessee State, OH., So.
Suzi Terrell, Jacksonville State, OH, Sr.
Kelley Smith, Tennessee State, MH, Jr.
Tiana Maua, Tennessee State, S, Jr.
Anne Morrow, Tennessee Tech, OH, Sr.

OVC Player of the Year: Abbey Breit, Jacksonville State
OVC Freshman of the Year: Ashley Doscher, Morehead State
OVC Defensive Player of the Year: Brittany Nobilio, Eastern Kentucky
OVC Coach of the Year: Kathy Roulhac, Tennessee State