Ellen East (Pomerene, AZ, Benson High School, Yavapai Community College) of the Western New Mexico volleyball team was named to the 2009 All-RMAC Third Team, the RMAC announced today.

The lone senior averages 8.64 assists per set to lead the team and be eighth in the RMAC, 2.67 digs per set good for second on the team, nearly one kill per set, and over ½ blocks per set. She also has posted 28 service aces this year to rank ninth in the conference.

At the beginning of the season, East was named to the West Texas A&M Lady Buff Classic All-Tournament Team. She also was named the WNMU Student-Athlete of the Month in September and October.

Head volleyball coaches from each of the 14 institutions voted for the 2009 All-RMAC Volleyball teams. They could not vote for players from their own school.

Nebraska-Kearney senior Nikki Scott was named the RMAC Volleyball Player of the Year. Scott, a 6-2, middle hitter from Broken Bow, Nebraska is the fifth player from UNK to be named RMAC Player of the Year, following Jeri Walkowiak, Erin Gudmundson, Kelli Brummer and Danielle Shum. Scott was also the 2009 RMAC Volleyball Academic Player of the Year.

Metro State's Amy Watanabe was named the RMAC Defensive Player of the Year, while Tara King of Mesa State was the RMAC Setter of the Year. Laura Brodie of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs was named the 2009 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year.

Nebraska-Kearney's Rick Squiers was named RMAC Co-Coach of the Year for the sixth time in his career. Squiers was named RMAC Centennial Celebration All-Time Volleyball Coach as well. Dave Fleming of Mesa State is the other RMAC Co-Coach of the Year. He is the first MSC coach to receive this award since its inception in 1992.

Click here for the complete RMAC press release.