Aug. 26, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. - George Mason junior outside hitter Rebecca Walter was recognized as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association's Preseason All-Conference Team, announced today by the conference office. The squad, which features seven athletes from six schools, was voted upon by the conference's head coaches.

Walter, a second team All-CAA selection this past season, tied for the team lead in 2007 with 396 kills on .215 hitting, ranking her fourth in the conference in kills per game (3.81). She was third in assists (41), fourth in aces (29) and digs (198) and fifth in total blocks (46) among the Patriots. Additionally, she totaled seven double-doubles and had 14 matches with 15 or more kills.

The Monbulk, Victoria, Australia native was named the CAA Player of the Week on October 8 last season, and set a career high in kills 11 days later when she tallied 30 kills in a five-game win over William & Mary.

In 2006, her debut season in the Green and Gold, Walter earned CAA All-Rookie honors after finishing second on the team in kills per game (3.38) and third in digs per game (2.86).

Joining Walter on the team is Delaware senior outside hitter Kelly Gibson and junior libero Stephanie Barry, Hofstra senior outside hitter Lauren Engle, James Madison senior setter Lauren Miles, Northeastern senior outside hitter Lauren DeTurk and William and Mary senior setter Kim Mount. Barry was selected the preseason Player of the Year.

Walter and the Patriots begin their 2008 season on Friday evening at home when they host Georgetown as part of the D.C. Volleyball Challenge. The match is set for 7 p.m. at the Field House, immediately following the American-George Washington match at 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for youth and senior citizens. Mason students receive free admission with their Mason student ID.