The University of Akron Athletics
Dimitrijevs Named to Preseason All-MAC Squad
August 16 | Women's Volleyball
AKRON, Ohio – With the 2011 volleyball season almost here, the Mid-American Conference released its preseason poll and All-MAC team on Tuesday. Senior middle blocker Tina Dimitrijevs represented Akron on the all-conference squad, while the Zips were picked to finish third in the East.
Dimitrijevs had a breakout season last year as she battled back from injury to lead the MAC in hitting percentage (.367) and make the All-MAC Second Team. As one of only two seniors on the 2011 squad, she will be one of the leaders on the floor for UA.
"Tina is a great athlete who has developed into a solid player," said fourth-year head coach Ron Arenz. "She's made her place as an offensive force in our offense, and I expect her to have a tremendous senior season."
Last year, Akron finished with a 15-17 overall record and a 7-9 mark in the league, good for second place in the MAC East. Those were the best records for the Zips since 2003.
Akron will kick off the 2011 campaign with a Blue & Gold scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 20 at James A. Rhodes Arena. The event begins at 2 p.m. ET, and admission is free to all fans.
MAC Preseason Poll
East
1. Ohio (11 first place votes)
2. Miami
3. Akron (1 first place vote)
4. Buffalo
5. Bowling Green
6. Kent State
West
1. Northern Illinois (7 first place votes)
2. Ball State (1 first place vote)
3. Western Michigan (3 first place votes)
4. Eastern Michigan
5. Central Michigan (1 first place vote)
6. Toledo
Regular Season Champion - Northern Illinois (5 votes)
Tournament Champion - Northern Illinois (5 votes)
East Division Preseason All-MAC Team
Tina Dimitrijevs, Akron
Paige Penrod, Bowling Green
Abby Niekamp, Buffalo
Cassie Farrell, Miami
Katie Post, Ohio
Lexie Hartnett, Ohio
West Division Preseason All-MAC Team
Kelsey Brandl, Ball State
Kaitlyn Schultz, Central Michigan
Rachel Iaquaniello, Eastern Michigan
Lauren Wicinski, Northern Illinois
Kristin Hoffman, Northern Illinois
Jessica Brown, Western Michigan
