Published: Thursday, November 12, 2009
Updated: Thursday, November 12, 2009 7:28 AM CST

WEST PLAINS, Mo. — Freshmen hitters Rachel Kleekamp and Anna Laitinen have been named to the NJCAA All-Region XVI first team after leading the Mineral Area College volleyball team to a strong 27-9 season.

Kleekamp ranked first in kills and second in blocks overall for the Lady Cardinals, recording a season-high 20 kills in a tournament match against Kaskaskia on October 24.

Laitinen began the season as the primary setter before being moved to the outside. She compiled 62 assists in a four-game victory over SW Illinois, and later recorded 23 kills against Northwest Shoals in Alabama.

Sophomore Monika Barros de Alcantara received honorable mention in her first year playing for the Lady Cardinals.

Only three Division I teams remain in Region XVI after State Fair and Three Rivers cut their volleyball programs in recent years. MSU-West Plains defeated Jefferson last Saturday to capture the region title.