Aurora University Athletics

Aurora University women's volleyball continues a historic season on and off the court in 2017. Following the Spartans history making appearance in the NCAA Division III Regional, AU made history with the American Volleyball Coaches Association All-Region Teams that were announced on Thursday.

Junior outside hitter Katie Vondra and freshman libero Julia Wood received All-Region recognition from the AVCA with Wood earning the Midwest Region Freshman of the Year honors.

A week after the pair received Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference First-Team All-Conference honor and Wood being named the NACC Defensive Player of the Year, Vondra and Wood became the first Aurora University Women's Volleyball players to earn AVCA All-Region honors.

Last season, Vondra was recognized by the AVCA as an Honorable Mention All-Region performer. In 2017, Vondra led the Spartans with 4.21 kills per set and a .226 hitting percentage. She also averaged 3.03 digs per set on the defensive side of the net. Against regionally ranked opponents, Vondra had even better numbers with 4.34 kills per set, a .252 hit percentage and 3,29 digs per set.

Wood continued to add to her litany of awards sent her way in her first collegiate season. On the year, she led AU with 5.09 digs per set and had a team-high 46 serving aces. Against regionally ranked opponents, she had 5.56 digs per set and 11 aces.

Vondra and Wood now advance to the AVCA All-American selection process which is announced during the NCAA Division I Women's Volleyball National Championship weekend.

AU finished the 2017 season with a 26-8 overall record and were 10-1 with a second-place finish in the NACC. The Spartans set program history in becoming the first team to reach the NCAA Division III Tournament and then won the opening set of the match to win their first set ever in NCAA play.