Thomas, Blint, Schaefer earn league honors

MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa -- Brittney Thomas was a first-team all-conference performer for the second year in a row and Jena Blint and Deidre Schaefer received honorable mention by a vote of Midwest Collegiate Conference coaches, the league announced today.

Thomas, a sophomore outside hitter, again led the Mustangs with 445 kills (3.56 kpg) and moved into the top 10 on Mount Mercy's career chart with 949 in just two seasons. She was also second on the team with 437 digs (3.50 dpg) and has 899 career digs. Thomas set a school record with 504 kills as a freshman.

Blint, a senior middle blocker and two-time honorable mention all-MCC selection, was fourth on the squad with 209 kills (1.94 kpg). She also posted 71 total blocks, which ranked second on the team, and 26 service aces, which was third. Blint finished her career in the top 10 all-time in solo blocks (4th/141) and total blocks (6th/357).

Schaefer, a junior middle blocker, led the Mustangs with 74 total blocks, including a team-best 40 solos, and finished third on the squad with 276 kills (2.23 kpg).

2010 Midwest Collegiate Conference Volleyball Awards

MCC Player of the Year: Devon Jensen -- Grand View

MCC Libero of the Year: Jordan Blaken -- Viterbo

MCC Setter of the Year: Paige Harris -- Grand View

MCC Newcomer of the Year: Megan Higgins -- Grand View

MCC Coach of the Year: Ryan DeLong -- Viterbo

First Team:

Kelsay McCausland, Yawen Xiao (Ashford); Ashley Shields (Clarke); Paige Harris, Megan Higgins, Devon Jensen (Grand View); Brittney Thomas (Mount Mercy); Tori Matzen, Amy Royer (St. Ambrose); Amy Braaksma, Jordan Blaken, Katie Flock, Jenna Lau (Viterbo); Emily Stanton (William Penn).

Honorable Mention:

Hanna Burns (Ashford); Heather Jansen (Clarke); B.J. Wagy, Kendra Zimmerman (Iowa Wesleyan);

Jena Blint,

Deidre Schaefer (Mount Mercy); Jackie DalCerro, Catherine Wildner (St. Ambrose); Hannah Ripp (Viterbo); Andrea Blanchard (Waldorf); Morgan Bailey, Caitlin Hadden, Krista Pettit, Brittany Rohling (William Penn).