Roberts repeats as regional player of year; Keamo also recognized

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Jordyn Keamo, right, knows knows to get the ball to Hailey Roberts, left. But what makes Keamo special is she knows how to manipulate a defense and keep them guessing, too.

SPECIAL TO THE FLASH
TarletonSports.com

(November 29, 2016) – Tarleton’s Hailey Roberts and Jordyn Keamo were recognized among the best in the South Central region Tuesday morning when the TexAnn tandem earned all-region honors, including Roberts being named the regional player of the year.

For the second straight season, Roberts took the top honors from the NCAA Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association as well as first-team recognition.

“I’m definitely excited and thankful for this award,” said Roberts. “I was a little disappointed after the conference awards were released, but I’m thankful that my hard work this season was recognized with this honor. I’m very thankful and appreciative to the voters and it’s a major confidence booster heading into the regional tournament, not only for me but for my entire team because they help put me in a position to be successful.”

The junior from Cedar Park currently leads the nation in kills (577) and kills per set (5.20) and has led the TexAnns back to their third straight NCAA regional tournament, which they begin Thursday at noon in San Angelo against Regis. Roberts was a first-team All-Lone Star Conference selection this season while also boasting 29 service aces, 368 digs, and 58 blocks.

“Obviously, this is a well-deserved honor for Hailey,” said head coach Mary Schindler. “She’s an awesome six-rotation kid who can play defense, pass, serve, and do everything on the court in addition to being an offensive threat. She’s a kid that everyone has to prepare for when we play because she’s capable of scoring regardless of how many blockers she has. I’m really excited she’s on our team.”


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This is Roberts’ fourth first-team all-region award since coming to Tarleton in 2014. She earned the honor from Daktronics, which was replaced by D2CCA last season, as a freshman before claiming the acclaim from D2CCA in its first year last season. She also became the first AVCA All-Region player in Tarleton history last season.

Meanwhile, first-year setter Jordyn Keamo also earned high praise from across the region as the Lone Star Conference Setter of the Year earned second-team honors in her debut season with the purple and white.

“Jordyn has been such a huge part of our success,” said Schindler. “She puts all of our hitters in great situations and it gives our girls confidence knowing that she is so steady and consistent all the time. She gives our whole team a higher volleyball IQ when she’s out there and she’s been one of the hardest workers every single day since she’s been here and I’m excited to see her recognized. Jordyn was a great addition to our program.”

In addition to being the LSC Setter of the Year, Keamo garnered a first-team All-LSC nod in her debut season at Tarleton. The junior from Mililani, Hawaii boasted 1,207 assists for Tarleton this season and is top 5 in the nation in service aces with 67. She also had 13 double-doubles for the TexAnns this season.

Roberts and Keamo will lead the TexAnns into action Thursday afternoon in the opening round of the NCAA regional tournament. The TexAnns, who earned the No. 3 seed in the tournament, squares off at noon against Regis at the Junell Center in San Angelo. A broadcast of the game can be heard on KXTR 100.7 FM The Planet.


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