Aug. 24, 2007

RICHMOND, Va. - Senior outside hitter Jaqueline Kohler was recognized among the Colonial Athletic Association's best as she was named to the Preseason All-Conference Team. Kohler, a second team All-CAA performer a year ago, was one of eight players selected for the honor as the 2007 regular season commences today.

Kohler led the Patriots' attack all season long in 2006, ranking third in the conference in kills per game with an average of 4.33 and sixth in the conference in points per game with an average of 4.80.

The Curitiba, Brazil native earned VaSID second team honors last season, after seeing action in all 87 games, starting each of the Patriots' 24 matches. She led the team in kills per game, points per game and was second in digs per game last year, and set career highs in kills, assists, aces, digs and blocks

George Mason opens the 2007 regular season at home this evening when it plays host to the D.C. Volleyball Challenge. The two-day tournament features the Patriots, along with local rivals American, Georgetown, and George Washington. The opening match will pit Georgetown against American at 5 p.m. before the Patriots and Colonials square off at 7 p.m.

Admission, which includes both matches, can be purchased at John Linn Memorial Gym the day of the match at a rate of $5 for adults and $2 for youth and senior citizens.

2007 CAA Preseason All-Conference Team
Kira Batura, Northeastern
Alysha Fanning, Towson
Kelly Gibson, Delaware
Allyson Halls, James Madison
Jaqueline Kohler, George Mason
Shellane Ogoshi, Hofstra
Jena Pierson, James Madison
Colleen Walsh, Delaware

2007 Preseason Player of the Year
Allyson Halls, James Madison