BOONE, N.C. ? The Southern Conference volleyball coaches have selected the all-conference teams for the 2006 season as well as the Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, Libero of the Year and Coach of the Year. The coaches’ selections are based on nominations from their teams.  Coaches are not allowed to vote for their own players.

Furman had three players earn all-league honors, including the 2006 Player of the Year Nicole Palazzo. The middle blocker led the league with a .382 hitting percentage and a 1.45 blocks average.  She tied a Southern Conference record on October 28 when she tallied 17 total blocks against College of Charleston.  The 17 total blocks ranks as the seventh-highest total in NCAA history.  She was also named to the all-conference first team along with outside hitter Chibuzo Aguocha and setter Courtney Stewardson.

College of Charleston’s Emily Sawin was tabbed the Rayna Matea Taylor Freshman of the Year by the coaches.  She led the Cougars in kills during the regular season with 367.  Sawin started in all 30 matches and recorded 257 digs for Charleston.  The outside hitter helped lead the Cougars to a 17-1 conference record.

Maria Dobrenz, a senior from College of Charleston was named the Libero of the Year.  She anchored the Cougars defense this season with 666 digs and averaged 5.84 digs per game ranking her third in the league.  She saw action in all 30 matches and helped College of Charleston to their sixth consecutive regular season title.  Dobrenz also earned second team all-conference honors.

Seven-year Furman head coach Michelle Young was named the Coach of the Year by her peers. Young led the Lady Paladins to a second place tie in the league standings and garnered the number two seed in the conference tournament.  Furman ended the regular season with a 15-3 conference record.  This is the first Coach of the Year award for Young.

College of Charleston setter Lindsey Kane was named to the first team with middle blockers Tiffany Blum and Annie Uthe earning second team honors. Appalachian State outside hitter Brittany Zahn and UNC Greensboro’s Theresa Hart complete the first team.  Davidson landed two players on the second team with setter Jenna Dykstra and outside hitter Liz Williamson.  Georgia Southern’s Christy Dowd also garnered second-team honors.