Johnson Named to MEAC All-Tournament Team - Bethune-Cookman Official Athletic Site

For the second straight year, B-CU logs an all-tournament performer, as Johnson earns her first MEAC honor

	Johnson made a huge offensive impact in the MEAC championships as B-CU advanced to the semifinals

Nov. 22, 2009

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BALTIMORE, Md. - The LadyCats of Bethune-Cookman Volleyball were eliminated from the 2009 MEAC Volleyball Championships, Saturday at the Coppin Center, falling to runner-up Maryland Eastern Shore. Although B-CU made an early exit, they fought hard and made it a difficult task to take them out. The effort and talent caught the eye of MEAC officials and coaches, as they named B-CU junior Middle Blocker Kaiyana Johnson to the All-Tournament team.

"I am extremely proud of Kai for this accomplishment as she had really struggled throughout the beginning of the season offensively," said Head Coach Vanessa Cogswell. "Kai stepped it up when we really needed her most, receiving high rankings in statistics in both blocking and hitting percentage in Conference statistics. She is a hard worker, very passionate and competitive player, so it was exciting to see her receive this recognition. This is only the second time in school history that a player has received an All-Tournament award in the Championships so it is a huge honor."

Kaiyana finished the MEAC tournament with 21 kills while hitting .548 for the tournament, also adding 3 blocks, 3 digs, and 1 service ace, to earn her first honor from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Next season, Johnson will take over as the primary Middle Blocker on the heels of the graduation of All-Conference performer Chelle Ticeson. As reported last week, Ticeson finished the season receiving conference accolades as part of the All-MEAC second team, for the second consecutive season. The senior from Seattle, Wash. wrapped up her senior season with 248 kills on a .355 hitting percentage, logging 36 service aces, 61 digs, and 60 total blocks.

"This is the second time that Chelle has received this honor," said Cogswell, "so I'm extremely proud of her. I have had the privilege of coaching her for four years and have really seen her grow into a tremendous player and person. She brings the best out of all the players and will be truly missed on and off the floor."

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