Notre Dame grad garners all-OVC volleyball honors

Ashley Nenninger, a Notre Dame Regional High School graduate, is enjoying an impressive volleyball career at Murray State.

Nenninger was honored for her strong senior season Wednesday when she was named to the all-Ohio Valley Conference team, which was voted on by the league's coaches and sports information directors.

This year marked the first time that the OVC selected one 14-member all-conference squad instead of first and second teams.

Nenninger, an outside hitter who received her first all-OVC honor, ranks fifth in the league in kills (3.41 per game) and eighth in points (3.74) during conference matches. She leads the Racers with 366 total kills.

Southeast Missouri State freshman middle blocker Emily Coon was named to the OVC's seven-player all-newcomer team.

Coon recorded 153 kills while leading the Redhawks with 74 total blocks.

"Emily was the youngest middle on the court at any given time and she definitely held her own," Southeast coach Renata Heard said in a release. "She has a very bright future and a will to want to get better."

Three sign

Southeast announced the signing of three volleyball players during the NCAA's early signing period.

Kelsey Keeve, Melissa Macellari and Meredith Stranges, all high school seniors, will join the Redhawks for the 2011 season.

Keeve is a 6-foot-1 middle blocker from LaGrange, Ill. She helped lead Lyons Township High School to the Class 4A state title by recording 150 kills, 80 blocks, 80 digs and 25 aces.

Macellari is a 6-foot setter from St. Joseph's High School in Granger, Ind. She was named second team all-state while being her squad's MVP the past two seasons.

Stranges is a 6-1 outside hitter from Dublin, Ohio. She helped lead Coffman High School to a state runner-up finish this year by compiling 266 kills, 210 digs and 38 aces.

"We are very excited to add these three to our team," Heard said in a release. "All three will make an immediate impact with us this fall. Not only are these three hard working volleyball players, but quality, well-rounded student-athletes."

Dossey honored

Southeast senior Paige Dossey has been named an Academic All-District second team selection for volleyball.

Dossey, who was fifth on the Redhawks in kills and third in blocks, carries a perfect 4.0 grade-point average.

Dossey is a two-time OVC Medal of Honor recipient and a two-time OVC Commissioner's Honor Roll member. She also has been a Southeast Scholar Athlete twice.

-- From staff reports