By:Patrick Hall Thursday, 7 February, 2008

The 2008 PCC Volleyball Team has received recognition for eight Academic All-Americans. Pratt tied for having the most academic All-Americans in the Jayhawk Conference.

Among the eight were four players with a perfect 4.0 gpa: Mandy Zeka, Ashley Simons, Taylor Randall, and Kelsie Ptacek. Other players receiving recognition for having over a 3.5 gpa were: Ashley Fenlon, Chelsey Leonard, Brittney Lindhorst and Heather Williams.

Mandy Zeka, a sophomore from Wellington, KS, hit middle for the Beavers this year. Zeka had earned All-Region honors as a freshman, but off-season surgery slowed her down for the early part of the season. She played a significant role in the team’s late season surge, including their semi-final appearance in the Region VI playoffs.

Ashley Simons, a freshman from Leoti, KS, also hit middle for Pratt, and she too made a late season statement in the Jayhawk. Simons finished the season leading the team in kill percentage at .361.

Taylor Randall, as sophomore from Jonesboro, AR, held down the right side for the Beavers. Randall was capable of playing anywhere, as she had been forced into utility duty as a frosh. Her natural position, however, was on the right, where she started all season as a sophomore. Randall was the team leader in aces and second in blocks.

Kelsie Ptacek, a freshman from Wilson, KS, is a libero/DS, who came off the bench to shore up the defense in some of the most pressure filled situations the Beavers faced all season, including the Regional playoffs. Pratt expects Ptacek to contribute significantly next season.

Ashley Fenlon, a freshman from Colorado Springs, CO, set for the Beavers this year. Fenlon had 218 assists for a 3.57 assist/game average.

Chelsey Leonard, a sophomore from Bassett, NE, was the starting DS for the Beavers alongside libero Courtney Purcella. Leonard became a mainstay for Pratt on defense, playing in 121 of 124 games and having a 2.02 digs/game average.

Brittney Lindhorst, a sophomore from Wamego, KS, was a starting middle hitter for Pratt for the second year in a row. Lindhorst hit .233 for the season and was third on the team in blocks.

Heather Williams, a freshman from Oberlin, KS, also set for the Beavers this year. Williams ended the season ranked 36th in the nation in assists/game with 9.20. She broke the 1000 assist mark with 1113 assists on the year.