HARRISONBURG, Va., Dec. 15, 2010 – James Madison volleyball signee Lizzy Briones (Siloam Springs, Ark./Siloam Springs) was named the Gatorade State Player of the Year for Arkansas on Tuesday. Briones signed her National Letter of Intent to join the JMU class of 2015 in November.
“We are so proud of Lizzy,” head volleyball coach Lauren Steinbrecher said. “The hard work, passion and fight she has shown throughout her volleyball career has been recognized in an exciting way. This honor is well-deserved.”
Briones finished her senior season at Siloam Springs High School with 498 kills, 234 digs, 170 blocks and 45 service aces on her way to leading the Panthers to a 19-5-1 record and a berth in the Class 5A state final. She is a four-time First Team All-State selection and has competed with the USA junior volleyball program.
The Gatorade Company has been honoring student-athletes in each of the fifty states in the sports of football, volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls basketball, baseball, softball and boys and girls track and field since 1985.
Briones will enroll at JMU in January and be a freshman for the 2011 season.
The Dukes are coming off a 22-8 season, including a 10-4 mark in the Colonial Athletic Association. They finished second in the CAA during the regular season and advanced to the CAA Championships for the first time since 2007.
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