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Bienemy Named to AVCA's All-Region Team
Dec. 10, 2003 Junior middle blocker Areal Bienemy has been named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association's "All-Regional Team" for the Midwest region, the AVCA announced Wednesday. The Midwest team is made up of 12 players selected from the Horizon League, Conference USA, the Atlantic Sun Conference, the Ohio Valley Conference and the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The region is comprised of 41 teams. Selection committees made up of regional coaches select the teams. "We are thrilled that Areal has been named to the AVCA Midwest All-Region team," said coach Sharon Clark. "She has matured as an athlete and worked diligently to become a highly skilled volleyball player. As an explosive middle blocker, she's as enjoyable to coach as she is to watch compete."
She was the only player who did not compete in the league's championship match to be named to the Horizon League Championship "All-Tournament Team." The Violet, La., native posted 31 combined kills in the Bulldogs two tournament contests. The Bulldogs advanced to the semifinals of the season-ending tournament, losing to No. 1 seed UW-Milwaukee in four games.
Bienemy and teammate Kali Carter were selected to the "All-Horizon League" first team prior to the tournament. Freshmen Alyssa Cress and Krystal Hendrix were recognized on the "All-Newcomer Team." Bienemy was also named to the "All-Tournament Team" at the New Orleans Invitational earlier this season. "Her selection to the All-Region team is a testament to the extremely high level of play in the Horizon League and the Midwest Region," said Clark. "Out of more the 3000 student-athletes competing at the Division I level, Areal's selection as one of the top 100 players in the country is an honor for her, our team and Butler University." Bienemy finished the season averaging 3.18 kills and 1.04 digs per game. Her .278 hitting percentage was among the league leaders all season. The Bulldogs finished the season with a record of 20-12. Joining Bienemy from the Horizon League on the All-Region team were league "Defensive Player of the Year" Allie Smerz of Wright State, league "Co-Players of the Year" Janelle Tomlinson of tournament champion UW-Green Bay and Lindsey Spoden of regular season champion UW-Milwaukee. Setter Lauren Holbrook of Loyola and UW-Green Bay Jessie Theys received honorable mention. The AVCA will announce its "All-America Team" Dec. 17. |
