Shurtz, Leek receive regional volleyball honors

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The postseason accolades continue for Chico State volleyball players Alex Shurtz and Jessica Leek. On the strength of their solid 2010 seasons, the latest honor bestowed upon the two Wildcats hitters is being included among the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-West Region selections – Shurtz was named the region’s Freshman of the Year, with Leek earning Honorable Mention.

Earlier this month Shurtz was named the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Freshman of the Year as well as an all-conference second team selection. Shurtz led Chico State with 338 kills in 2010 and ranked eighth among CCAA hitters with a 3.16 kills per set average.  

Leek, who finished second on the team to Shurtz with a career-high 316 kills, was also an All-CCAA second team selection, and in early November was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA)/ESPN Academic All-District first team.

Thirteen CCAA athletes earned AVCA All-West Region honors.