After leading Georgia State to its second greatest turnaround in school history, junior Ashley Jones and freshman Jamiee Freeman were awarded by earning CAA honors as announced by the conference office on Sunday evening. Jones earned All-CAA Third Team honors for the second straight year, while Freeman was named to the CAA All-Rookie Team.
"I am excited for both of them to receive this recognition from the other coaches in the league," commented head coach Mike Webster. "Neither could have garnered this recognition without the help of their teammates and without the hard work that both themselves and the team put in every day this season."
Jones, a native of San Diego, Calif., finished the regular season third in the NCAA with six triple-doubles. She finished second in the CAA with 3.30 kills per set and 3.76 points per set. By playing in every set this year, Jones finished the year with 370 kills, 330 assists and 247 digs, while adding 52 total blocks. She was named to the co-Tournament MVP of the Great 8 Volleyball Challenge, as well as to the All-Tournament teams of the Elon Invitational and Hilton RTP/NCCU Invitational.
"To once again be recognized by the conference coaches for the second year in a row, while being among the top three in the nation is triple-doubles for the second straight year, shows the excellent offense production that Ashley provides us on the court," stated Webster. "I think what she does on the court really makes it an easy decision for the coaches to award her with this recognition once again."
Freeman, from Athens, Ala., was one of just three Panthers to play in ever set this season. The freshman finished the year with 166 kills and 450 digs. Her season was highlighted by a 31-dig performance in a win against Hofstra on October 4th. Freeman scored 31 total blocks and was fourth on the team with 28 service aces in her first season.
"I think this is the first time in my career that I have witnessed a freshman start and play every set of every match in a season," commented Webster. "I am so excited for her accomplishments so far, but I know that there is so much more she can accomplish in the years to come. She is a perfectionist and an extremely hard worker and just like the rest of the team, is ready to get started with spring practice."
Both Jones and Freeman were honored by the CAA during the regular season as well. Jones was named CAA Offensive Player of the Week on September 8th after being named to co-Tournament MVP of the Great 8 Volleyball Challenge. Freeman earned CAA Defensive Player of the Week honors on October 5th after leading the Panthers to a win over Hofstra.
Jones makes it the fifth time a Panther has earned All-CAA honors, joining Alex Blenche (2005, First Team) Noelle Boyd (2006, All-Rookie) and Amy Lusk (2007, Third Team).
