2007 Regis Volleyball Team Awards Announced

Denver, Colo.: The 2007 Regis Volleyball team awards were given out at a banquet held on the Regis campus. Junior Liz Franz won the Most Valuable Player award, freshman Devin Eckhardt earned the Grit award, freshman Melissa Piazza was tabbed as the "Most Improved" and the lone senior Sarah Ovitz earned the 7th Woman award.

Senior Sarah Ovitz (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) won the "7th Woman" Award as the most significant contributor off the bench. Her role was expanded following a teammate's injury and she stabilized the lineup with her four years of experience.

Head Coach Frank Lavrisha stated, "Sarah stabilized the passing lanes, contributed on defense, and was accurate spotting serves at the opponents passers." Ovitz tallied 123 digs, good for fourth on the team and 18 service aces also fourth on the team.

Freshman outside hitter Melissa Piazza (Lake Forest Ill.) was recognized as the "Most Improved" player. She also stepped in after the injury to Sarah Keiter and developed her game throughout October. "By the end of the season in November, Melissa was playing her best volleyball of the year" says Coach Lavrisha. Piazza tallied 123 kills in 80 games and had 49 digs from her outside hitter position.

Freshman setter Devin Eckhardt (LaSalle, Colo.) earned the respect of her teammates and coaches to win the "Grit" Award. It recognizes the work ethic, competitiveness, and sheer determination in practice and in matches.

Lavrisha states, "As a freshman setter, Devin was our floor captain and 'quarterback' of the offense." Eckhardt finished third in the RMAC in assists with 12.01 assists per game. Eckhardt who ended up with 1,213 assists finished third on the team with 234 digs.

Junior middle hitter Liz Franz (Littleton, Colo.) won the "Most Valuable" Award. Franz was named to the RMAC All-Conference First Team and recognized as the East Division Player of the Week in early November. She was among the RMAC leaders with a .311 hitting percentage (sixth) and points per game (seventh). In addition, she was named on the RMAC All-Academic First Team.

Franz was second on the team with 330 kills and second with 82 total blocks. She also tied for second with 27 service aces. Her .311 hitting percentage last season ranks her ninth all time at Regis.