Nov. 6, 2008

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina libero Sarah Cline earned a spot on the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District III first team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), the organization announced today.

The Rock Hill, S.C., product leads the Gamecocks and ranks sixth in the Southeastern Conference with her 3.99 digs-per-set average. The junior has helped the squad to the top spot in the league as a team in digs. Her 0.19 aces per frame ranks fourth on the team, while she also stands third among regulars with a 0.34 assists-per-set mark. Cline currently stands fourth in South Carolina history with a 3.07 digs-per-game average for her career.

Cline is the first Gamecock to earn two Academic All-District honors since Shani Abshier in 1996-97.

Duke had three people named to the squads, one on the first team and two on the third. Florida and Florida State both had multiple representatives on the teams as well.

To be nominated for CoSIDA Academic All-District, individuals must be a starter or important reserve with at least a 3.30 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) for their career and have reached sophomore standing in both athletics and academics. All student-athletes selected for the first team in their district move onto the national ballot, with those selections announced on Mon., Nov. 24.

South Carolina hosts Auburn on Friday at 7 p.m. in the squad’s lone match this weekend.

ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District III
University Division – Women’s Volleyball
First Team
Kelsey Bowers, Florida
Sarah Cline, South Carolina
Lauren Dickson, Virginia
Jenny Heppert, UCF
Rachael Moss, Duke
Jill Nyhof, Coastal Carolina

Second Team
Brianna Barry, Florida State
Kristen Cunningham, Virginia Tech
Natalie Mullikin, Wake Forest
Allie Niekamp, Georgia Tech
Callie Rivers, Florida
Carolyn Rivers, Wofford

Third Team
Sue Carls, Duke
Branagan Fuller, UNC-Greensboro
Kimberly Mount, William & Mary
Lauren Prussing, North Carolina
Shelley Walroth, Jacksonville
Aana Wherry, Duke
Maria Taylor, Georgia
Taylor Wilson, Florida State