Albany, GA (November 9, 2011) — The third day of the 25th Annual SIAC Volleyball Championship found four teams still in contention for the coveted SIAC Crown.  Defending champ Kentucky State University; Claflin University; Albany State University; and Benedict College all had their eyes fixed on the conference prize.  The only thing that stood their way was each other.  Held in the Albany State University Health and Physical Education & Recreation (HPER) Gymnasium, The 2011 SIAC Volleyball Championship match featured two teams that are no strangers to the SIAC Volleyball title.  The Thorobrettes of Kentucky State University (KSU) were the defending conference champions and prior to last year, the Lady Rams of Albany State University (ASU) had won nine consecutive SIAC crowns.

While the championship history of both teams is impressive, the this year's title came down to the team with the best performance on championship day. That performance was given by the Thorobrettes of Kentucky State University. After dropping the first game 23-25, KSU galloped back to claim the next three games (31-29, 25-22, 25-15) to claim the crown.

The offense for the Thorobrettes was led by Emily Grieshaber, Audrey Sherles, and Erica Coleman with 15, 10 and nine kills, respectively.  Brittany Stewart issued 56 assists while Sherles and Ashlie Jones had three service aces each.  The Thorobrettes were led defensively by Markeshia Williams with 17 digs.  For her efforts, Williams was named Libero of the Tournament. Stewart's contribution also extended to the Thorobrettes defense with 13 digs.

The Lady Rams were led in the championship match by Jillian Anderson and Sabrina Garcia.  Anderson had 17 kills and Garcia finished with nine.  Garcia was voted to the SIAC All-Tournament Team.  Teammate Jennifer Johnson had 39 assists and 14 digs in the title game and was voted Setter of the Tournament.

Defensively, the Lady Rams got 13 digs from Sharme Ridley; another 12 digs from Adrienne Morris; and four solo blocks from Tiffany Butler.  The Lady Rams finished the season with a 21-16 record.

With the win, the Thorobrettes will receive the automatic bid to represent the SIAC in the NCAA Regional Tournament.


2011 SIAC Volleyball All-Tournament Team
Sabrina Garcia, Albany State University
LaTayvia Mack, Benedict College
Lauren Calvin, Claflin University
Ayanna Parker, Kentucky State University
Jamila McKinnis, Stillman College

Setter of the Tournament
Jennifer Johnson, Albany State University

Libero of the Tournament
Markeshia Williams, Kentucky State

Tournament MVP
Ayanna Parker, Kentucky State University

Coach of the Tournament
Kyetta May, Kentucky State University