Dec. 6, 2016
LEXINGTON, Ky. - A trio Penn State women's volleyball juniors were named to the AVCA Northeast Region team on Tuesday morning, as announced by the organization's office. Outside hitter Simone Lee and middle blocker Haleigh Washington were both named to the regional team, while classmate Ali Frantti was named an honorable mention.
With the distinctions, it marked Washington's second selection to the All-Region team and Lee's first such honor. Frantti was named to the All-Region team in both 2014 and 2015.
Lee paced Penn State's offense throughout the season, averaging 4.15 kills per set, good for best in the Big Ten. The junior had a standout season on offense, posting 481 total kills, ranking third in single season kills during the 25-point rally scoring era. She also added 182 digs, 60 blocks and 17 service aces over the season. Lee was also named the ESPNW National Player of the Week on Oct. 12 following a 30-kill performance against then No. 1 Minnesota. The honor marks Lee's first AVCA recognition.
Washington continues to be one of the most consistent hitters in the college game, leading Penn State and the Big Ten while ranking second in the nation in hitting percentage with a startling .435 clip. The percentage is also the best among all players from Power Five institutions. Washington has led the team in blocks, posting 133 total while adding 281 total kills, good for second on the team. The Colorado Springs, Colorado native added 71 digs on the season and 24 service aces, good for second best on the team. The selection marks Washington's third AVCA end-of-year distinction - she was named to last year's All-Region list before also being named a first-team All-American.
After a slower start than she had anticipated, Frantti turned around the season in the second half as she launched up the offensive ranks to finish third on the team in kills with 274 this season. Frantti finds herself just 32 kills shy of the 1,000 kill club now, with 968 to date. The junior outside has also added 204 digs, 56 blocks and 16 service aces this season. Frantti is no stranger to earning AVCA awards - the Spring Grove, Illinois, native was named the AVCA's National Freshman of the Year in 2014 along with second team All-America distinctions and a spot on the All-Region team that year. Frantti also earned All-Region honors in 2015 before going on to earn an honorable mention for All-America status.
16-seed Penn State (24-9) advanced to the Regional semifinal and are now slated to face the top-seeded Nebraska Cornhuskers (29-2) on Friday, Dec. 9 at 12 p.m. ET. The match is set for broadcast on ESPNU, with Paul Sunderland and Karch Kirlay on the call.
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