LC volleyball players earn all-region honors

[November 08, 2011]  Two members of the Lincoln College volleyball team have received all-region recognition from the Region 24 coaches. Sophomore middle hitter Chelsea Rhoades (Rushville HS) was named to the first team, and freshman outside hitter Jenna Merkel (Lincolnwood HS) was awarded honorable mention status.

Rhoades, a two-year starter for the Lady Lynx, led the team in kills (223) and blocks (96). She was an all-region honorable mention award winner last season and this year also was named to the all-conference first team for the MWAC.

Merkel contributed on both offense and defense as well, racking up 182 kills and 88 digs. She was also a primary passer for LC in serve receive and was named to the all-conference second team.

LC coach Mark Tippett commented:

"Chelsea and Jenna are certainly deserving of all-region recognition. Chelsea Rhoades has made tremendous improvements during her time at LC and has turned herself into one of the most respected middle hitters in the region. Only eight players make the first team, and Chelsea was one of two middles to receive the honor. She has been fantastic to work with and is an excellent role model for her teammates. I am very proud of her accomplishments, and I am sure she will be successful at the next level.

"Jenna Merkel had a strong freshman year. She had to step in and accept some big responsibilities on this team because we needed her to play all the way around and pass in all six serve receive patterns. She took this role on with enthusiasm and gave 100 percent every time she took the floor. I expect her to continue to improve and be a big part of what we will do next season."

Lincoln College finished the 2011 season with a record of 21 wins and 11 losses.

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[Text from file received from Lincoln College]