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    Stephanie Holthus Named AVCA All-Mideast Region Honorable Mention
    Sophomore was also All-Big Ten selection for Wildcats in 2011
    NUSPORTSDOTCOM
    Stephanie Holthus was named MVP in three of Northwestern's four non-conference tournaments this season.

    NUSPORTSDOTCOM
    Stephanie Holthus was named MVP in three of Northwestern's four non-conference tournaments this season.
     NUSPORTSDOTCOM

    Dec. 6, 2011

    LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Northwestern sophomore outside hitter Stephanie Holthus was named Honorable Mention to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Mideast Region team on Tuesday, Dec. 6. Holthus was also chosen to the All-Big Ten team on Nov. 29.

    "It's great to see that Stephanie has been recognized by the AVCA for an outstanding effort this season," said Northwestern head coach Keylor Chan. "She had a memorable effort all year long and we look forward to finding out what the future holds for her in this program."

    Holthus led the Wildcats with 475 kills this season at a clip of 4.17 per set. That number of 475 kills is the seventh-best single-season output in program history and it ranked the sophomore fourth overall in the Big Ten in 2011. The Burlington, Ill., native ranked second on the team with 330 digs and turned in a team-high 15 double-doubles throughout the season.

    Holthus was the Big Ten's first Player of the Week this season. She earned the honor on Aug. 29 following a prolific opening weekend at the Utah Classic. The Burlington, Ill., native averaged 5.89 kills per set in the tournament, which included wins over Cal State-Northridge, Weber State and Utah for the Wildcats. In the tournament finale against the Utes, Holthus eclipsed the 20-kill plateau for the first time in her career with 21 in a three-set sweep. That eye-popping number tied the outside hitter for fifth all-time for the most kills in a three-set match in NU history.

    In addition to claiming MVP honors at the Utah Classic, Holthus was chosen as the most valuable player in two other preseasons tournaments for the 'Cats: the Chicagoland Challenge and the 30th Wildcat Classic. She was also named to the All-Tournament team at the Magnolia Invitational. In those four tournaments combined, Holthus averaged 5.05 kills per set and 2.95 digs per set. She tallied eight service aces and 27 total blocks over that span, as well.

     

     

    Here is the complete 2011 AVCA All-Mideast Region team:

    Michelle Bartsch - Illinois
    Tori Dixon - Minnesota
    Tiffany Fisher - Purdue
    Kristin Hoffman - Northern Illinois
    Mari Hole - Ohio State
    Gina Mancuso - Nebraska
    Deja McClendon - Penn State
    Jenilee Rathje - Michigan State
    Ariel Scott - Penn State
    Katie Slay - Penn State
    Ariel Turner - Purdue
    Colleen Ward - Illinois
    Lauren Wicinski - Northern Illinois
    Ashley Wittman - Minnesota

    Honorable Mention: Morgan Broekhuis (Nebraska), Lauren Cook (Nebraska), Emily Danks (Ohio State), Rachel Davis (Purdue), Stephanie Holthus (Northwestern), Hannah Werth (Nebraska)

    Mideast Freshman of the Year: Micha Hancock - Penn State
    Mideast Coach of the Year: Dave Shondell -Purdue

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