Dec. 7, 2006

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Atlantic Coast Conference volleyball garnered several postseason recognitions, as released by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. Duke head coach Jolene Nagel was named the 2006 Tachikara/AVCA Division I East Region Coach of the Year, while Blue Devil Rachael Moss was tabbed the 2006 East Region Freshman of the Year. In addition, 11 student-athletes from six league schools were voted to the East All-Region team.

Nagel led Duke to a 29-4 overall record and a 21-1 mark in 2006, as the Blue Devils captured their first ACC championship since 1994. By winning the ACC title, the Blue Devils earned an NCAA Division I Tournament berth for the fifth time in eight seasons and advanced to the second round of the national competition. Duke also received its first ranking in the CSTV/AVCA Division I Top 25 Coaches Poll since 1994 this season and is currently ranked at No. 22.

The 29 wins this season are a new high under Nagel and the fourth-most in school history. Also, Duke's 21 wins in ACC action set a new conference record for most wins in a season, breaking the 18-win total set by North Carolina and Maryland last year. The regional honor is the second for Nagel, who also received the award in 2000.

Moss collected the regional accolade as the East Region Freshman of the Year, joining teammates Ali Hausfeld (2004) and Sarah Salem (2002). In her first year with the Blue Devils, she turned in an impressive rookie campaign as she helped the Blue Devils compile a 21-1 record in ACC action and clinch their eighth league championship and first since 1994. Duke received the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and made its 12th all-time trip the national postseason event.

The outside hitter from Cypress, Calif., was the first Duke player since 1996 and fourth all-time to be named ACC Freshman of the Year. Moss, who was also selected to the ACC All-Freshman team, capped off her rookie campaign as one of two freshmen in the league ranked among the top 10 in kills (3.70), digs (3.98) and points (4.25) per game.

Tachikara/AVCA Division I East Region Coach of the Year: Jolene Nagel, Duke

Tachikara/AVCA Division I East Region Freshman of the Year: Rachael Moss, Duke

East All-Region
Jeannette Abbott, OH, So., Clemson
Allison Anderson, DS/Lib, Sr., Boston College
Elizabeth Curley, MB, Sr., Hofstra
**Carrie DeMange, MB, Jr., Duke
Katie Esbrook, MB, Sr., Virginia Tech
***Ali Hausfeld, Sr., Jr., Duke
Danielle Hepburn, MB, So., Clemson
Tealle Hunkus, OH, Sr., Duke
Emily Kirkwood, S, Sr., Virginia
Katherine Oakes, MB, Jr., Virginia
Ulrike Stegemann, RS/Opp, Jr., Georgia Tech
Makini Thompson, OH, Jr., Florida State

Honorable Mention: Ludmila Francescatto (Virginia Commonwealth, OH, Sr.), Allyson Halls (James Madison, MB, Jr.), Sarah Kirkwood (Virginia, OH, Jr.), Jena Pierson (James Madison, DS/Lib, Jr.), Taryn Surbaugh (Winthrop, MB, Sr.), Elif Unlu (UNC Asheville, OH, Sr.)
*Denotes total number of years selected to AVCA All-Region Team