Utah Volleyball Nets Three Conference Post Season Honors

The University of Utah not only received the good news that their season would continue in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament, but they also received the news that three Utes had received Pac 12 post season honors. Senior Shelby Dalton was named to the Pac-12 First Team, senior Bailey Bateman was an Honorable Mention, and freshman Adora Anae was named to the Pac-12 Freshman Team.

Shelby Dalton finished the season with 316 kills and hit .276. The right-side hitter also compiled 94 blocks, and 116 digs. Dalton becomes the first Ute to be selected to the All Pac-12 First Team, in addition to the Pac-12 Academic First Team selection she received last week.

"Shelby is very deserving of this award," said Utah head coach Beth Launiere. "She is a great student-athlete, with great mental toughness and has been a steady force for us all season. Shelby carried a huge load both offensively and defensively, often matching up with and controlling opponent’s top hitters. There are a lot of great players in the Pac-12, so we’re proud to have Shelby recognized on the all-conference team [as part of] the best volleyball conference in the country."

Bailey Bateman had 206 kills on the year, hitting .328, and blocking 132. The senior from Hooper, Utah becomes the third Utes volleyballer to receive Honorable Mention Honors. Bateman too earned conference academic honors, being named Second Team All Pac-12.

"Bailey has positioned herself as one of the top blockers in the conference, finishing fourth in blocks-per-set," Launier said. "Her offense has been a key for us in our latest run of wins, and both her efforts and contributions to our success are recognized by this award, which is well deserved."

Adora Anae showed that the future is bright for the Utes by having All Freshman Team-type year and was awarded as such from the Pac-12. Anae had 250 kills, 114 digs, and 65 blocks.

"What a great honor for Adora to be recognized as one of the top seven freshman in the Pac-12, as there were a lot of great young players this year," said Launiere. "Adora established herself as a key player for us early in the year and her role increased as the season continued. She was a key contributor in our success and we are excited for her and this recognition."

With Honors in hand, these three, along with the rest of the No 20 Utes will take on Kansas State in Lincoln, Neb. as they open tournament play Friday, December 5 at 3:30 MT.