"MVNC Volleyball Players Earn NCCAA East Region Honors"

written by Dave Parsons, Sports Information Director

Rachel Widener	Darcee Hoberg	Amanda Schumm

Deanna Stayman	Coach Swanson

   Four members of the Mount Vernon Nazarene College women's volleyball team were recently honored along with their coach when the 1999 National Christian College Athletic Association All-East Region Team was announced.

   Rachel Widener, a 5-foot-9 senior outside hitter from Elyria, Ohio, was selected as the 1999 NCCAA East Region Player of the Year as she guided the Lady Cougars to the East Region title and the team's tenth straight trip to the NCCAA National Tournament. The former All-Ohioan at Open Door Christian Academy currently leads MVNC with 386 digs and a .356 attack percentage while also recording 22 aces, 32 assists, 72 blocks, and 316 kills.

   Darcee Hoberg, a 5-foot-10 sophomore outside hitter from Coshocton, Ohio, was also named to the All-East Region Team for her efforts this season. The former All-Ohioan at River View High School leads the team with 347 kills, and she has also contributed 21 assists, 26 aces, 41 blocks, and 345 digs.

   Amanda Schumm, a 5-foot-10 sophomore outside hitter from Rockford, Ohio, joined Widener and Hoberg on the All-East Region Team. The former All-Ohioan at Parkway High School has compiled 32 aces, 36 assists, 45 blocks, 214 digs, and 282 kills this season.

   Deanna Stayman, a 5-foot-4 sophomore outside hitter from Greencastle, Pennsylvania, also received Honorable Mention in the NCCAA East Region. The former standout at Shalom Christian High School has posted 15 assists, 18 aces, and 262 digs.

   Head coach Paul Swanson was also selected as the 1999 NCCAA East Region Coach of the Year for his leadership in guiding the Lady Cougars to the East Region title and a 34-2 overall record so far.

   MVNC will wrap up the regular season on Tuesday at Cedarville College as the Lady Cougars look to claim the American Mideast Conference title outright with a victory in the match against the Yellow Jackets that is slated to start at 7:00 p.m.