Monday, July 16, 2018

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Four GNAC volleyball squads are among a total of 128 NCAA Division II squads that have received 2017-18 Team Academic Awards from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA).

Central Washington, Northwest Nazarene, Saint Martin’s and Western Washington were all singled out by the coaches association for academic success. The program recognizes colleges and high schools that maintained a minimum 3.30 cumulative grade point average. A total of 873 schools were recognized, including 464 women’s teams in the NCAA’s three divisions.

Western Washington maintained a high-level of academic success while winnings its eighth GNAC championship. The Vikings finished the 2017 season with a 27-4 overall record and went 19-1 in conference play, tying the all-time record for wins in a season. One of four GNAC teams selected for the NCAA Division II Volleyball Championship, Western Washington advanced to the regional championship match before falling to Cal State San Bernardino. Western Washington landed six players on the GNAC Volleyball All-Academic Team.

Northwest Nazarene finished second in the GNAC with a 16-4 conference record and ended with a 25-5 overall record. The Nighthawks were also selected to the NCAA championship field, defeating Central Washington in five sets in the regional quarterfinals before falling to Western Washington in the semifinals. Seven NNU players were selected to the GNAC Volleyball All-Academic Team.

Central Washington reached the NCAA postseason after tying for third place in the GNAC standings at 14-6 while compiling a 19-10 overall record. The Wildcats landed eight players on the GNAC Volleyball All-Academic Team while earning its sixth consecutive NCAA Division II Championship berth.

Saint Martin’s finished 10th in the 2017 GNAC standings with a 4-16 conference mark and finished with a 9-19 overall record. The Saints also placed seven players in the GNAC Volleyball All-Academic Team.