AWARDS CONTINUE TO ROLL IN FOR BATES VOLLEYBALL
 

LEWISTON, Maine -- Three Bates College volleyball players have been honored by the New England Small College Athletic Association (NESCAC) volleyball coaches and the New England Women's Volleyball Association (NEWVA) with post-season awards.

First-year setter Kate Hagstrom of Portola, Calif., who had previously named been named Maine Volleyball Rookie of the Year, has received the same honor from the NESCAC and NEWVA. Hagstrom was the only first-year player named to the NESCAC All-Conference first team and was also selected to the NEWVA Honorable Mention All-New England Division III team. Hagstrom put up some impressive stats this season, leading the team in assists with 1,186 in 141 games for an average of 8.41 assists per game. Her 92 service aces were also tops on the team. "Kate is like the quarterback of this team," head coach Marsha Graef said. "She has a terrific ability to raise the level of play of those around her."

Sophomore hitter Amanda Colby of Willimantic, Conn., also took home honors from the NESCAC Championships, held Nov. 7 and 8 at Tufts University. She was the lone Bobcat to earn All-Tournament honors, picking up 56 kills and 16 blocks in 15 total games (3.73 kills/game), as the Bobcats finished 3-1, winning the consolation bracket to earn fifth place. Colby also was named a second team All-Conference performer. For the season, she led the team with 481 kills in 139 games (3.5 kills/game) and 130 blocks (51 solo). "Amanda really started to make the most of her potential this season," Graef said. "We knew she what was capable of last year, but injuries really hurt her."

Senior co-captain Heidi Vogel of Denver, Colo., was the third Bates athlete honored this week. She was selected by the NEWVA coaches as one of 20 seniors to participate in the prestigious Senior Classic match at Wellesley College on Sunday, Nov. 16. Vogel had 285 kills in 117 games this year, an average of 2.4 kills/game. She also had 133 digs (1.14 digs.game). "Heidi's offensive power and previous experience at Bates were vital to the team's performance this year," Graef said.

Hagstrom, a 1997 graduate of Portola High School, is the daughter of Jerald and Julia Hagstrom.

Colby, a 1996 graduate of Windham (Conn.) High School, is the daughter of Gilbert and Sonia Colby.

Vogel, a 1994 graduate of Machebeuf High School, is the daughter of Craig Vogel and Deborah Myers.