Dec. 7, 2004

Colorado Springs, Colo. - For the second straight season, Loyola Marymount volleyball's Kelli Nerison has been selected to the American Volleyball Coaches Association's All-Region team for the Pacific region, the association announced today. Nerison currently ranks sixth in the nation in blocks per game, with 1.72 for matches played through November 28.

The Lions' middle blocker was selected to the 2004 All-West Coast Conference first-team after leading the conference in both hitting percentage (.360) and blocks per game (1.88) in WCC play. She also finished the conference season ranking sixth in service aces (0.27) per game and 11th in kills (3.17).

After making just seven appearances as a sophomore, the Laguna Niguel, Calif., native leaped into the LMU all-time record books thanks to her junior and senior seasons. Though she had yet to record a single collegiate solo block prior to her junior season, Nerison set new all-time program records for career block average (1.47), single season solo blocks (48), single season block assists (136), single season total blocks (178), single season block average (1.71), and career attack percentage (.356). She also ranks second in career block assists (262), third in career total blocks (352), and fourth in career solo blocks (90).

The two-time WCC Player of the Week this season, Nerison led the way as the Lions (17-12, 8-6 WCC) made their second straight NCAA postseason appearance. The senior played her best against some of the nation's best teams, as she hit a career-high 24 kills at then-No.13 UC Santa Barbara and posted 12 blocks at then-No.19 Santa Clara. Nerison also earned the title of LMU/Enterprise Rent-a-Car Student-Athlete of the Month for her play during October.

Nerison is the eighth Lion to receive the AVCA All-Region honor and the fourth to earn it in multiple seasons. Teammate Nicole Oehlman was named to the AVCA All-Region team in 2000.

-GO LIONS-