LEXINGTON, Ky. – The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced its annual All-Region awards on Thursday and Gustavus is represented by Hailey Embacher (Sr., Mankato) and Kate Holtan (Sr., Rochester).
Holtan earns her fourth consecutive All-Region honor a week after being named MIAC Player of the Year. Holtan began the season with her 1,000th career dig in a win over Luther on Sept. 24 and went on to record 15 double-doubles throughout the season. Holtan leads the MIAC with 442 kills and 4.06 kills per set. She’s had 17 straight matches of 10 or more kills, and has eclipsed 20 kills in five matches this season. Additionally, Holtan adds 305 digs and 43 service aces to her resume to rank fifth in the conference. Holtan’s 1,673 career kills put her second in the Gustavus record book, while she is first in kills per set with 3.64, and fifth in digs with 1,267.
Embacher makes her first All-Region appearance after being named MIAC Defensive Player of the year. Embacher’s 510 digs to rank second in the conference, while she’s averaging 4.68 per set (4th/MIAC). Embacher is also strong on the serve, notching 34 service aces which are the eighth most in the conference. The senior racked up double-digit digs in all but two matches for the Gusties and boasted a season-high 28 against Coe College. Her 1,407 career digs are fourth in program history and she recently eclipsed the century mark with 103 career service aces.
The All-Region selections will now be considered for All-America honors. The AVCA will release its All-America Teams next Tuesday, Nov. 16.