December 07, 2005
Laura Jones of Texas A&M was named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Central Region Team, the AVCA announced today.
Jones, a second-team All-American in 2004, is making her third appearance on the all-region first team. The Arlington, Texas, native also received all-region honors in 2002, in which she also was named the AVCA Central Region Freshman of the Year, as well as in 2004. Jones, who will now be considered for All-American honors, received honorable mention in 2003.
The 6-2 outside hitter rewrote the Aggie record book during her stellar four-year career, breaking 33 A&M records. Jones shattered the A&M all-time career kill record with 2,064, breaking the previous record of 1,777 set by Kristie Smedsrud (1994-97). Her 700 kills this season obliterated the previous mark of 577 set by Sheila Morgan in 1993 and also broke the Big 12 record of 622 set by Dawn Cady of Kansas State in 1999.
Jones led the Aggies to a 16-14 record and their 13th consecutive NCAA tournament appearance this year. She finished the season with a nation-leading 6.09 kills per game, which is both an A&M and Big 12 Conference single-season record. Jones also set A&M and Big 12 records with 6.73 points for the full season.
Jones is the only player in the league who has tallied 30 or more kills in a match this season, and she accomplished the feat eight times, including a school-record 38 kills in the regular-season finale at No. 10 Missouri.
Jones twice earned Big 12 Volleyball Player of the Week honors this year, and was named MVP at the Texas A&M/McDonald?â„¢s Invitational. She also earned all-tournament honors at the UTSA Dome Rally in San Antonio. In addition, Jones was named to the Academic All-Big 12 First Team earlier this season.
The Big 12 dominated the All-Central Region Team, as all 12 members on the All-Region team represent schools from the Big 12. The following is the complete All-Region Team:
Central Region
Leticia Armstrong University of Texas MB So.
Melissa Elmer *** University of Nebraska MB Sr.
Allie Griffin ** University of Colorado RS/Opp Sr.
Christina Houghtelling University of Nebraska OH Jr.
Lindsey Hunter ** University of Missouri S Sr.
Laura Jones *** Texas A&M University OH Sr.
Brandy Magee University of Texas MB Jr.
Michelle Moriarty University of Texas S So.
Sarah Pavan ** University of Nebraska RS/Opp So.
Jennifer Saleaumua*** University of Nebraska OH Sr.
Jessica Vander Kooi University of Missouri OH Jr.
Nicole Wilson University of Missouri MB Jr.
Region Freshman of the Year: Jordan Larson, Nebraska, OH
Honorable Mention: Stephanie Figgers (Stephen F. Austin, DS/Lib, Jr.), Jordan Larson (Nebraska, OH, Fr.), Elizabeth Meyers (Wichita State, MB, Sr.), Ashley Nu?â„¢u (Colorado, S, Jr.), Darci Vohs (Wichita State, RS/Opp, Sr.), Ashley Warren (Missouri State, S, Sr.)