Charuk, Tryon Earn Spots On Volleyball All-Conference First Team
11/23/2010 12:00:00 AM | Volleyball
Nov. 23, 2010
HOUSTON - Junior Lucy Charuk and sophomore Chandace Tryon were named to the All-Conference USA First Team by league office on Tuesday. The award is voted on by the league's head coaches.
"The most consistent aspect of our game this season has been the production from our middle blockers so it is very fitting that the pair would be honored together," head coach Molly Alvey said.
Charuk earns her second First Team selection after being named to the team in 2008. The Tswwassen, British Columbia, native leads the team with 344 kills, averaging 3.07 per set. In addition, Charuk paces the team with 141 blocks and is second with a .347 hitting percentage.
She has started all 31 matches this season and ranks second in C-USA in blocks and fourth in hitting percentage. Charuk has recorded 10 or more blocks in 17 matches this season and hit above .400 in 12 matches. She ranks 29th in the NCAA with 1.26 blocks per set.
"It has been extremely rewarding to watch Lucy grow in her leadership role," Alvey said. "She has taken control of this team and looks to continue to strengthen her leadership skills going into next season. Her role on the court is undoubtedly one of the team's most valuable tools. She is a gamer and comes prepared to fight every match.
Tryon earns her first postseason award with her selection to the All-Conference team this season. The Corpus Christi, Texas, native has started 28 matches this season and leads the league with a .363 hitting percentage. She was named the C-USA Offensive Player of the Week earlier this season and ranks 41st in the NCAA in hitting percentage.
She has 274 kills and 82 blocks and has notched double-digit kills in 14 matches this season. Tryon has recorded at least 15 kills in three matches and at least five blocks in eight matches.
"What makes Chandace so special as a player is her consistency, physically and emotionally," Alvey said. "Rarely does she have a bad day and if she does no one on the team knows. Her consistency in the gym and as a teammate has accelerated her growth as a player. She has increased her volleyball knowledge and skill level tremendously this season.
Charuk and Tryon will look to guide the Cougars to a win over Rice at 7 p.m. on Nov. 27 in the season finale. Houston will be looking for its first 20-win season since 2008 and its best league record since 1999.
