LEXINGTON, Ky. --- Tusculum College libero/defensive specialist Caitlyn Dean has earned Division II All-Southeast Region honorable mention recognition by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. Dean, a native of Fort Wayne, Ind., was named to the 2011 Daktronics All-Region First Team earlier this month.

The 2010 Daktronics First Team All-American has led Tusculum's defensive efforts, averaging 6.45 digs per set, which is currently third nationally. Dean has accounted for 668 digs this season, which are the second most in school history, behind only the NCAA II single-season record 845 she posted last year. The two-time All-South Atlantic Conference First Team honoree is first all-time in school history with her 6.82 digs per set average, while her 1,529 total digs are the third-most ever by a Pioneer.

Tusculum ended the season with an 18-13 overall record, while advancing to the NCAA Tournament in each of the last three seasons. The Pioneers have recorded their sixth straight winning season and 22nd in the 30-year history of the Pioneer volleyball program.

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2011 AVCA Division II All-Southeast Region Team
Brendyce Budd, Armstrong Atlantic
Diana Craine, Flagler
Casey Gnann, Flagler
Anna Hilton, Wingate
Cory McGowan, Wingate
Crystal Niederrier, Flagler
Jordan Raye, Catawba
Jessica Santaneillo, Armstrong Atlantic
Olivia Snipes, Flagler
Emilee Taylor, Flagler
Katlyn Whitmer, Catawba
Brittany Wolf, Armstrong Atlantic
Jenny Young, Catawba
Liz Willis, Wingate

Honorable Mention: Taylor Clendenin (Lees-McRae); Caitlyn Dean (Tusculum); Blaire Fowler (Lincoln Memorial); Shay Meeks (Catawba); Leia Pittman (Armstrong Atlantic); Ashley Seal (Armstrong Atlantic)

AVCA Southeast Region Freshman of the Year: Lexi Potter, Wingate
AVCA Southeast Coach of the Year: William Condon, Armstrong Atlantic