Carson-Newman James, Tusculum’s Dean Named Volleyball Players Of The Week

ROCK HILL, S.C. ­- Carson-Newman College middle hitter Nikki James has been named the first Volleyball Player of the Week for the 2010 season, while Tusculum College libero Caitlyn Dean has been named Volleyball Specialist of the Week, the league announced Tuesday.

James, a junior from Cookeville, Tenn. (Cookeville HS), led the Lady Eagles to a perfect 4-0 record at the Francis Marion Invitational over the weekend, including a pair of 3-1 wins over the Peach Belt Conference's Francis Marion and UNC Pembroke. The junior middle led the Lady Eagles with 25 blocks and was second on the team with 51 kills in the four wins. She hit .400 for the weekend with only 11 errors. James amassed 11 kills and seven blocks to lead C-N to a 3-1 road win over Francis Marion. She also had 18 kills in the win over UNC Pembroke.

Nikki James

Caitlyn Dean

Dean, a freshman from Ft. Wayne, Ind. (Northrop HS), averaged 7.93 digs per set to lead the Tusculum volleyball team to a 2-2 record at the 2010 UIndy Invitational in Indianapolis, Ind. The Pioneers posted wins over 2009 WVIAC Champion West Virginia State (3-0) and NCAA Tournament participant Nova Southeastern (3-1). TC's losses came against No. 4 Indianapolis (3-1) and Wayne State (3-1). Dean recorded 30-plus digs in three of her four matches. In the 3-1 win over Nova Southeastern, she posted 37 digs, the third most ever by a Pioneer in a four-set match. Dean also recorded five assists and three service aces in the win over the Sharks. Dean posted 30 digs each against No. 4 Indianapolis and Wayne State (Mich.) In her collegiate debut, Dean accounted for 14 digs in her two sets of action in a 3-0 sweep over West Virginia State. She was also named to the UIndy Invitational All-Tournament Team.