Atlanta, GA—The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) has announced the 2010 Volleyball All-Conference Teams as selected by the SIAC Volleyball Coaches Association.

The 2010 team is led by Benedict senior Melinda Bastian. Bastian, a three-time all-conference first team selection, tied for the conference lead with 343 kills while posting a hitting percentage of .343. The 5-10 native of Nassau, Bahamas also added 77 digs, 37 total blocks, and 24 service aces. For her efforts, she was named 2010 SIAC Most Valuable Player. She was also named Offensive Player of the Year for the third consecutive year.

Kentucky State leads the way with two first team selections and four total selections led by setter Brittany Stewart. Stewart, a junior from East St. Louis, IL, led the conference with 990 assists while also totaling 225 digs and 77 kills. Stewart, a three-time all conference selection, was named 2010 SIAC Setter of the Year. Kentucky State outside hitter Mercedes Parker was also a first-team selection.

Other first-team all-conference selections include Albany State senior outside hitter Sabrina Garcia, Clark Atlanta senior outside hitter Krysta McGowan, Claflin senior outside hitter Deisha Rivers, and Paine junior libero Fernisha McMillan.

Co-Coaches of the Year include Gwendolyn Rouse of Benedict College and Vernell Keitt-Capers of Claflin University. Rouse led Benedict to a 14-5 overall record (13-3 in the SIAC) and a second place finish in the SIAC East Division. Keitt-Capers led Claflin to a 24-6 overall record (14-2 in the SIAC) and the SIAC East Division regular season title.

The second-team is led by Paine sophomore Victoria Claytor, who was named SIAC Defensive Player of the Year by the SIAC Volleyball Coaches Association.

2010 SIAC Volleyball All-Conference Team

1st Team
Melinda Bastian    Benedict College
Sabrina Garcia    Albany State University
Krysta McGowan    Clark Atlanta University
Mercedes Parker    Kentucky State University
Deisha Rivers    Claflin University
Setter
Brittany Stewart    Kentucky State University
Libero
Fernisha McMillan    Paine College

2nd Team
Lauren Calvin    Claflin University
Victoria Claytor    Paine College                               
Jamila McKinnis    Stillman College
Anjelica Nixon    Stillman College
DeNae Shelton    Kentucky State University
Setter
Pricilla Sena    Albany State University
Libero
Nikki Douglas    Kentucky State University

Setter of the Year:
Brittany Stewart    Kentucky State University

Defensive Player of the Year:
Victoria Claytor    Paine College

Offensive Player of the Year:
Melinda Bastian    Benedict College

MVP:
Melinda Bastian    Benedict College

Co-Coaches of the Year:
Vernell Keitt-Capers    Claflin University
Gwendolyn Rouse    Benedict College

2010 Volleyball All-Academic Team