Sports

Gilleland, Lamberti Garner AVCA All-America Status


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The American Volleyball Coaches Association announced Wednesday that Ohio University setter Abby Gilleland and outside hitter Kelly Lamberti have been named to the 2013 AVCA All-America team as honorable mentions.

2013 marks the first time Ohio has been represented by two student athletes on the All-America team at season's end. The last Bobcat to earn the honor was Ellen Herman in 2008 and 2009.

"Abby and Kelly have been so consistent for us over their careers at Ohio," head coach Ryan Theis said via a statement released by the University. "They are model student-athletes both on and off the court and we are excited to have them back for another run at the MAC title next season."

Gilleland and Lamberti led Ohio to a 27-5 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance during the fall campaign after the Bobcats won the Mid-American Conference regular season and tournament titles.

Gilleland, a sophomore, was named the MAC Player of the Year, leading the conference's most efficient offense. The Green and White ranked in the top 25 nationally in hitting percentage. Gilleland finished third in the MAC in hitting percentage (.343) and assists per set (10.79) in conference matches.

Lamberti, who won the MAC Player of the Year award as a sophomore, led the team in kills (3.14/set) and recorded the second most digs (2.80/set) during her junior season. Her 14 double-doubles helped earn her a spot on the All-MAC First Team.

Both Gilleland and Lamberti garnered All-Region honors from the AVCA a week ago. They were the only non-Big-Ten student athletes on the All-Northeast Region team.