By: Jennifer Jones
Director of Sports Information
jonesj@juniata.edu • juniatasports.net
HUNTINGDON, Pa. – After a year that saw the Juniata College men's volleyball team spend five weeks at the top of the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) poll, Juniata placed four on the AVCA's All-America teams. The third ranked Eagles tied Springfield College for the most selections. Juniata has had an All-American named in all 11 years of the AVCA's squads.
Juniors Joe Bortak (Jeannette, Pa./Penn Trafford) and Paul Kuhn (York, Pa./Central York) were named first teamers, while redshirt junior Alex McColgin (Buffalo, N.Y./Hamburg) and sophomore Chad Albert (Cranberry Township, Pa./Seneca Valley) earned second team honors. The foursome are the Eagles kill leaders and mark the first time since 2007 Juniata earned four All-America spots.
"Being selected is an honor," said head coach Pat Shawaryn. "That is just the respect these individuals have earned."
Bortak is a three-time All-American. This is his second first team selection. The middle ranks second nationally in hitting percentage and is third on the team in kills. This is Kuhn's second All-America nod and his first time on first team. Precise behind the service line, he leads the league in aces per set and ranks 15th nationally.
This is McColgin and Albert's first All-America selections. McCoglin ranks nationally in aces per set, hitting percentage, kills per set, and points per set. The right side hitter also leads the team in kills and is second in service aces. Albert has had a break out season in 2014. He leads the team and ranks ninth nationally in blocks per set.
The Eagles are the No. 3 seed in the 2014 NCAA Division III men's volleyball tournament. They will face Kean University at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 25 in the Kennedy Sports+Recreation Center.
Follow Your Eagles! Stay up-to-date on your Juniata College Eagles by logging onto www.juniatasports.net. And don't forget to follow us on twitter (@JuniataEagles) and on Facebook (Juniata Eagles).
