Dec. 16, 2004

Colorado Springs, Colo. - Illinois senior right side hitter Jessica Belter has been named Honorable Mention All-America in women's volleyball, the American Volleyball Coaches Association has announced.

Belter had her best season to date, ranking eighth in the Big Ten in attack percentage (.324) during all matches, but third in the league (.351) during the 20-match Big Ten season. The native of St. Peters, Mo., and graduate of Ft. Zumwalt South High School, was named Big Ten Player of the Week for the second time in her career after totaling 43 kills and hitting a combined .567 in home victories over Michigan and Michigan State (Oct. 8 and 9). For the season Belter ranks second on the Illinois team with 380 kills, giving her 917 kills for her career. She added 108 digs and 90 blocks this season as well. Belter was also named to the All-Tournament Team at the C&C Services Invitational held at the University of Arkansas. Belter was named to four all-tournament teams in her career

Belter is the ninth Illinois player to earn All-America in volleyball. The others have been Mary Eggers (three-time first team), Nancy Brookhart (three-time second team), Laura Bush (second team in 1989), Kirsten Gleis (first team in 1992), Tina Rogers (second team in 1992), Erin Borske (first team in1995), Lisa Argabright (third team in 2003) and Erin Virtue (honorable mention in 2003). Honorable Mention honors were first added to the team for the first time last season.

Illinois finished to the 2004 season with a 19-11 record and placed fifth in the Big Ten (11-9). The Illini won three tournaments, including the State Farm Illini Classic. In that tournament Illinois ended USC's 52-match winning streak. That was one of two victories by Illinois over ranked opponents, having also downed then #7 Ohio State in straight games on Oct. 23.