Miller Collects Second-Team Accolade

William Penn University Athletics

by Wade Steinlage

Oskaloosa–Ashley Miller (Jr., Kalona, Iowa, Exercise Science) was one of the best at her position this fall and she was rewarded for her outstanding play as the 2017 all-Heart of America Athletic Conference volleyball teams were announced Monday.

Miller was one of 14 members to be named to the second team. A total of 14 individuals were also tabbed for first-team recognition, while 24 players garnered honorable mentions.

It is the second laurel of Miller’s career; she was an honorable mention last year. She guided William Penn to a 12-25 campaign (3-16 Heart).

At the end of the regular season, Miller led all NAIA liberos with 832 digs for a 6.3 digs per set average; her averaged was also in the top 10 nationally.

Of the 37 matches in which she played, she reached double figures in digs in all but one. Her best performance of 40 digs came against Indiana Northwest on October 14. She surpassed the 30-dig mark on seven other occasions as well.

Miller tallied 407 digs during Heart competition, good for a 5.8 average.

In addition to her digs total, the junior also had eight kills, 81 assists, and 33 aces. She was second on the team in aces and fourth in assists.

Katarina Krstonosic of Missouri Valley and Darcy Latham of Central Methodist shared the Heart’s Player of the Year award. Attacker of the Year laurels went to Fleur Wesselink of Benedictine, while Hannah Bettge of MidAmerica Nazarene was named Setter of the Year. Cristina Viera (Peru State) and Olivia Brees (Baker) shared Defender of the Year accolades. Shannon Peters (Central Methodist) was tabbed as Freshman of the Year as well.

Grand View’s Tina Carter was named Coach of the Year by her peers, while Makani Cantor, also of Grand View, earned the Assistant Coach of the Year award.