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Nietz and Hornsby earn All-American status

Nietz and Hornsby earn All-American status
November 9, 2018

Virginia Beach, Va. - The 2018 volleyball season keeps on giving...even after the conclusion of play for the Lady Lions. With the start of the national tournament in Virginia came the announcement of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association Division II women's volleyball All-Americans and it's fitting to see a pair of familiar faces on the list after a resurgent year for Hazleton women's volleyball. Senior Lauren Nietz (Coaldale, Pa.) and sophomore Samaya Hornsby (Richmond, Ca.), who helped lead the Lady Lions to a 15-10 overall record and an 11-3 record in the Penn State University Athletic Conference, were recognized at the national level for their outstanding efforts in 2018.

#15 Lauren Nietz - Second Team All-American Libero 

Playing in her first season, the senior stepped in an had an immediate impact on the court. Nietz engineered the defensive effort on the court and excelled in the libero position. The senior ranked second in the PSUAC and fifth nationally in the USCAA with 420 digs, tallying 5.38 digs per set. Nietz totaled double-figures in the category in 19 of 23 matches played and set a career mark of 45 digs on September 30 vs. Penn State New Kensington. In addition to her prowess on defense, Nietz led the squad with 65 service aces, a mark that ranked tied for sixth overall in the country. 

#6 Samaya Hornsby - Honorable Mention All-American Outside Hitter

Hornsby led the Lady Lions in kills and hitting percentage, notching the fourth highest kill total amongst all players in the PSUAC eastern division. Her 2.01 kills per set were a team high and her .172 hitting percentage ranked 23rd in the USCAA but the sophomore hitter performed well in all areas on the court. Hornsby ranked second on the squad in digs with a total of 206 while registering the 14th highest ace total in the USCAA with a mark of 56. On September 18, the sophomore earned player of the week honors in the PSUAC, leading Hazleton to a pair of wins during that stretch and set season highs on September 30 with a 15 kill effort and nine service aces on the October 18 win over Penn State Scranton.