LEXINGTON, Ky. – Plymouth State University's Most Outstanding Player from the Little East Conference (LEC) Women's Volleyball Tournament added another major postseason accolade on Wednesday, as the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) announced its regional awards.
 
Graduate student Ella Koelb (Auburn, N.H.) was named to the AVCA All-Region 1 First Team just one day after earning All-LEC First Team recognition. The AVCA selects 14 All-Region honorees and six honorable mention recipients in each of its 10 regions, along with a Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, and Coach of the Year for each region.
 
Koelb played a pivotal role in helping Plymouth State capture its first LEC title in 21 years, leading the nation with seven triple-doubles. The 5-10 setter in the Panthers' 6-2 system totaled 496 assists (4.59 per set), 315 kills (2.92 per set), 378.5 points (3.50 per set), 248 digs (2.30 per set), 43 aces, and 37 blocks, while hitting .211. She elevated her performance in the LEC Tournament, averaging more than six assists and four kills per set and pounding a match-high 18 kills in PSU's 3-0 sweep of UMass Boston in the semifinals.
 
Under the direction of head coach Joan Forge, Plymouth State (23-7) has reached five championship appearances in past eight full seasons. The Panthers face #15 Ithaca College in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at #16 Wesleyan on Thursday (Nov. 20).