Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Assistant Sports Information Director, 630-637-5324

AVCA All-Region Award Winners

Nov. 20, 2024 - Becoming the first American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Region player from the North Central College women's volleyball program since 2007, Bailey Houlihan earned First Team All-Region VIII honors for her performance on the court this season, the organization announced Wednesday.

Houlihan, the 2024 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Defensive Player of the Year, tallied 575 digs and 54 total aces on the year. Her 5.32 digs per set ranked second in Region VIII while her aces ranked seventh most among the group. Houlihan played in all 30 matches for the Cardinals this season and dished out 84 assists. She faced 512 serves this season, posting a .941 reception percentage.

In total, there are 203 student-athletes represented on the AVCA All-Region list from 103 different institutions. These individuals were nominated and voted on by head coaches within their respective regions. Houlihan was one of two liberos on the First Team All-Region VIII team.

Houlihan is the fourth player in program history to earn an All-Region honor, joining Denise Kunert (1991), Donna Chess (1992) and Maggie Kelly (2006, 2007). 

All of the First Team nominees advance to the AVCA All-America ballot, which coaches across the country will vote on. The winners will be announced on Nov. 27.

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