Kelli Browning Named First Team All-Region
12/9/2014 2:50:00 PM | Volleyball
OMAHA, Neb. -- Kelli Browning became the first player in Creighton Volleyball history to be named a three-time First Team All-Region pick when she was honored by the American Volleyball Coaches Association on Tuesday.
Browning, a senior from Waukesha, Wis., was the lone Bluejay named to the 14-person first team or six-player honorable-mention listing by the East Region's coaches. The East Region features 39 teams, including members of eight different leagues (Atlantic Coast, America East, Atlantic 10, BIG EAST, Colonial, Ivy, Mid-Eastern Athletic and Patriot).
Browning led Creighton in kills (403), blocks (180), points (521.5) and attack percentage (.339) as a senior in 2014 while picking up First Team All-Conference honors for the third straight time. She ranks among the national leaders in total blocks (4th), blocks per set (16th), hitting percentage (97th), points per set (102nd) and total kills (112th).
The middle blocker's play stepped up a notch against elite competition. In nine matches against what the AVCA deems "nationally-ranked teams" prior to the nomination process, Browning averaged 3.59 kills per set while hitting .419.
Browning closed her career last Friday as Creighton's all-time leader in hitting percentage, block assists and blocks per set.
She was previously named First Team All-Central Region as a sophomore in 2012, but CU moved to the East Region after joining the BIG EAST last July. Browning was also a First Team All-East Region selection in 2013.
By virtue of her All-Region selection, Browning advances to All-America consideration. The AVCA announces its All-America selections next Wednesday (Dec. 17) leading up to the Final Four, to be held in Oklahoma City.
Creighton finished the season with a 25-9 record, reaching the NCAA Tournament for a third straight season, and winning the program's first BIG EAST regular-season and tournament titles. The Bluejays are coached by Kirsten Bernthal Booth, who finished her 12th season with Creighton.
