AVCA RELEASE
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Illinois volleyball juniors Jordyn Poulter and Ali Bastianelli added another accolade to their growing list as the duo was named American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Northeast Region for the second-straight season, as elected by the region's head coaches, the organization announced on Tuesday (December 5).
It is the fourth time in five years that the Illini have had at least two representatives on the All-Region Team and the first time since 2008-09 that a teammate duo has earned back-to-back all-region accolades following former Illini greats Michelle Bartsch and Laura DeBruler. The pair was also named All-Big Ten earlier this season after leading the Illini to their 24th NCAA Tournament appearance.
One of main catalysts for the Illini, Poulter has totaled 1,317 assists for a 10.71 assists per set average this season to rank 47th in the nation and eighth in the Big Ten, while leading the Illini to a .276 team hitting percentage. A native of Aurora, Colorado, she also ranked second on the team with 111 blocks and 299 digs, for a 0.90 blocks and 2.43 digs per set average, while also adding 106 kills on a .375 hitting percentage and 15 service aces.
The only player in the Big Ten to rank in the top 15 in assists and blocks in both overall and conference statistics through the end of the regular season, Poulter has registered 13 double-doubles this season to up her career total to 23 and came within one kill of the program's 13th double-double in a win over Iowa on Senior Night. The Preseason All-Big Ten honoree also earned all-tournament accolades at the Cardinal Classic and Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational, including being named tournament MVP in Louisville, and was tabbed Big Ten Setter of the Week on November 16.
After leading the nation in blocks per set a season ago, Bastianelli has continued her success at the net this season, pacing the Big Ten and ranking fourth in the county with 1.61 stuffs per set, while also sitting 34th in the county and sixth in conference with a .377 hitting percentage. Her 193 total blocks – including 19 solo stuffs – also rank first in the league and second in the NCAA. In conference action, Bastianelli has continued to shine, ranking third with a 1.39 blocks per set average and eighth with a .344 attack clip.
The Marysville, Michigan, native has started in all 33 matches this season, seeing action in all but three sets. Along with leading the Illini in blocks and hitting percentage, she also ranked third with 298 kills for a 2.48 kills per set average and added 37 digs, 10 service aces and three assists on the season. The Preseason All-Big Ten selection also took home all-tournament team honors at the Bobcat Classic – where she was also named MVP – and the Cardinal Classic, while also collecting Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week accolades on August 28.
Poulter, Bastianelli and the Illini continue NCAA Tournament action this Friday (December 8) when they take on Michigan State in the Regional Semifinal at 3 p.m. CT, in University Park, Pa.
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