Women’s Volleyball: Lions trio lauded

Vanguard University seniors Jessica Neves and Kelly Heenan have earned All-Golden State Athletic Conference honors for the third straight season in women’s volleyball, while Lions junior Sarah McKinny is a repeat honoree.

Heenan was named Libero of the Year.

The 5-8 Heenan, who starred at Newport Harbor High, led the No. 21-ranked Lions (22-11) with 480 digs during the regular season. Her 116 assists, 23 aces and 12 kills also helped Vanguard finish third in the GSAC and earn an at-large berth into the NAIA Tournament.

Vanguard’s 11-5 conference record represents the most conference wins in program history.

Vanguard will play host to Concordia of Oregon (19-9), in the first round on Saturday at 7 p.m.

Neves, a 6-foot-2 opposite, led the team with 314 kills during the regular season. She also chipped in 75 assists, 23 aces, 78 total blocks and 76 digs.

McKinny, 6-0 opposite and middle blocker, led the team with 94 total blocks. Her 210 kills ranked third on the team and she posted a .313 hitting percentage. She added 28 digs and 13 assists for Coach Eryn Leja’s squad.

Biola senior Amy Weststeyn was named Player of the Year and Biola’s Aaron Seltzer was Coach of the Year.

Concordia’s Rachel Flynn was Freshman of the Year.

— Barry Faulkner