BY KELLIE TAYLOR
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Clemson sophomore Cindy Stern (Mercy) has taken her volleyball game to another level.
The 6-foot-3 middle hitter was one of 17 players selected from a field of 70 for the U.S. National A-2 team. The A-2 team mainly consists of college players and is a stepping stone to the national team. "I was shocked when they called my number on the last day," Stern said.
Jolene Jordan-Hoover, who just finished her fifth season as Clemson's varsity volleyball coach, was not surprised.
"She's a great athlete," Jordan-Hoover said. "For her size, she is extremely quick and agile. I think that is what impressed (the national team coaches)."
Stern was also asked to practice with the national team this month since the A-2 team has not started training. The A-2 team trains June 29 - August 2, when most college players are on summer vacation. Stern, who was named to the Atlantic Coastal Conference first team this season, is taking her success in stride.
"I think this is a great opportunity. I look forward to taking what I learn back to Clemson," Stern said.
Three Miami players were selected for the MAC All-Conference team. Outfielder Shawnda Moye (Princeton) was named to the first team and Jen Abramson and Kristina Mortaloni made the second team.
BASKETBALL HONORS:
Players on Cincinnati State's team, which was ranked 10thnationally, were honored for their efforts.
Rae Keith (Withrow) and Lenora Combs (Newport), who combined to average over 40 points per game, were named co-Most Valuable Players. Keith is headed to the University of Kentucky and Combs will play at Wright State.
Other award winners include: Beth Costello (Roger Bacon), Sportsmanship Award; Janice Jeffreys (Hughes), Dedication Award; Kim Reany (Winton Woods), Most Improved Player; Naomi Bronson (Finneytown), Best Defense; Megan DeWitte, (Purcell Marian), Academic Award; Sarah Lameier (Mercy), Spirit Award; and Portery Scott, Hustle Award.
Head coach Gary McDaniel said that Scott will sign a letter of intent to play at Eastern Illinois.
GOLF:
Hanover College junior Leslie Fryman (South Dearborn) has qualified for the NCAA Division III championship, which will take place this week at Meadows Golf Club in Grand Rapids, Mich.
RECRUITING NEWS:
The University of Cincinnati basketball team signed the sixth member of its 1998-99 recruiting class.
Point guard Candice Roberson is a transfer from Hutchinson Community College, where she averaged 11.7 points, 6.5 assists and 3.5 steals per game.
MORE THAN ATHLETES:
Fifty-nine female athletes from Xavier were recently named to the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll for maintaining a 3.0 or better grade-point average. Leading the way were freshmen Gina Geraci (Notre Dame, volleyball) and Mary Wolfer (Seton, soccer), both with 4.0 averages, and Katherine Bergman (Holy Cross, cross country), with a 3.99 GPA.
