Miller Named Honorable-Mention All-Heart

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–Ashley Miller (So., Kalona, Iowa, Exercise Science) produced one of the top defensive seasons in program history this fall and she was rewarded as the Heart of America Athletic Conference Volleyball Postseason Teams were announced Tuesday.

Miller, a libero for the Statesmen, was one of 30 players named to the league’s honorable-mention team. The Heart’s first and second teams consisted of 14 players each for a total of 58 all-conference honorees.

The sophomore, who is a first-time selection, was a top defender for William Penn (7-27, 0-13 Heart).

Miller recorded 659 digs (5.73 per set) in addition to 72 assists, 22 aces, and two kills. She ranked third in the Heart in dig average and fourth in total digs. She reached double figures in 32 of 34 matches played, highlighted by a career-high 42 digs versus Clarke.

Her season tally is the eighth-highest in school history, while her average is third best (since 2001). In posting 42 digs against Clarke and 41 against Evangel, she now has two of the top-10 single-match performances at William Penn, ranking sixth and seventh, respectively.

Gisele Silva of MidAmerica Nazarene was picked as the conference’s Player and Attacker of the Year. Rachel Kater, also of MNU, took home Setter of the Year honors, while Cristina Viera of Peru State was tabbed as Libero of the Year. Freshman of the Year laurels were given to Missouri Valley’s Celina Tardin. Allison Jones-Olson of Central Methodist was named Coach of the Year by her peers, while Emily Bragaw of Avila collected Assistant Coach of the Year accolades.