Tusculum's Ashley Sarmiento named AVCA Region Freshman of the Year

LEXINGTON, Ky. --- Tusculum College setter Ashley Sarmiento was named the 2010 Division II Southeast Region Freshman of the Year as selected by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.  Sarmiento and rookie libero/defensive specialist Caitlyn Dean were named to the AVCA All-Southeast Region team while sophomore middle blocker Alyssa Raterman garnered honorable mention recognition.

Sarmiento becomes the first Tusculum player in school history to earn AVCA Freshman of the Year accolades.

Sarmiento, a 5-11 native from Dayton, Ohio, led the South Atlantic Conference in assists, averaging 10.36 helpers per set.  The 2010 SAC Freshman of the Year is 31st in the nation in assists, while leading the team with 14 double-doubles.  The SAC All-Freshman Team selection has accounted for 1,256 assists, which are the fourth most in school history, while her assist average is also fourth best by a Pioneer.  She was also named to the SAC All-Tournament Team and was twice named SAC Specialist of the Week.  Sarmiento was also named to the Daktronics All-Southeast Region Team.

Dean, a 5-5 freshman from Fort Wayne, Ind., has posted one of the best defensive performances in NCAA II history.  Dean currently leads the nation averaging 7.10 digs per set, which is a new school and league record and is on pace to be the third-best average in DII history.  Her 845 digs this season are a new NCAA Division II record.   The 2010 All-SAC First Team honoree has accounted for an amazing 13 matches with 30-plus digs.  She has also been named to the SAC All-Freshman Team, SAC All-Tournament Team and was named SAC Specialist of the Week on two occasions.  Dean was tabbed to the Daktronics All-Region First Team.

Raterman, a 6-1 native of Urbana, Ohio, earned All-SAC First Team honors this season as she finished second in the conference with her .350 hitting percentage, which is 36th in the nation and the second highest attack percentage in school history.  Raterman is averaging 2.03 kills and 0.47 blocks per set.  Earlier this season, she was also named the SAC Player of the Week.

The 2010 Pioneers, led by SAC Co-Coach of the Year Michael Robinson, recorded one of the most superb seasons in school history and the best since becoming a NCAA Division II member.  Tusculum posted a 25-7 overall record, including 16-2 in SAC play to finish second in the conference.  The 16 league wins are the most in school history as a South Atlantic Conference member (since 1999) as Tusculum advanced to the SAC Tournament Championship match for the first time in school history.  TC also earned the program its second straight NCAA Tournament at-large berth.

- TC -

AVCA Division II All-Southeast Region Team
MB - Manyi Ati, Montevallo
OH - Lauren Billo, Wingate
RS - Gwen Clarke, Armstrong Atlantic State
DS/L - Caitlyn Dean, Tusculum
MB - Stormi Gale, Wingate
S – Anna Garrison, Montevallo
S - Lauren Kiwacka, Lincoln Memorial
OH - Jamie Lancaster, Anderson (S.C.)
OH - Carly Mozgai, Carson Newman
S - Rebecca Royal, Flagler
S - Ashley Sarmiento, Tusculum
MB - Rachel Stacy, Flagler
MB - Meg  Weathersby, Flagler
S – Liz Willis, Wingate

Southeast Region Freshman of the Year: Ashley Sarmiento, Tusculum, S

Honorable Mention: Shannon Byers (USC-Aiken, OH), Kaitlyn Whitmer (Catawba, OH), Alyssa Raterman (Tusculum, MB), Samantha Lukralle (USC-Aiken, DS/Lib.), Nikki James (Carson Newman, MB), Ashley Knight (Lincoln Memorial, OH)