Krafka honored as AVCA Southeast Region Freshman of the Year:
Following her standout rookie season for the Bearcats, Lander volleyball freshman outside hitter Kaitlyn Krafka (Kyle, Texas/Jack C. Hays) has been honored as the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Southeast Region Freshman of the Year, as well as an All-Southeast Region selection. Krafka is one of just eight freshmen nationwide to earn the regional Freshman of the Year accolade, and is now up for consideration for National Freshman of the Year.
Krafka put together a stellar freshman campaign, recording a program-record 440 kills, the most in the Peach Belt Conference and most of any freshman in the country. Her average of 4.23 kills per set also lead the conference. She finished the year with 478.5 points on the season and 4.6 points per set, second-most in the league. The freshman also posted 347 digs and 3.34 digs per set, both placing her in the top-10 in the PBC.
Krafka tallied 16 double-doubles on the season, highlighted by 21 kills and 26 digs in a win over Francis Marion. The Bearcats went 13-3 in matches where Krafka finished with a double-double. Krafka raised her game in conference matches, averaging 4.51 kills and 5.0 points per set against Peach Belt Conference opponents.
The freshman became the fifth player in program history to be named an AVCA All-Southeast Region performer, joining Kay Stewart, Melissa McCracken, Tarryn Angermeier and Hannah Hritz. Krafka is the first AVCA Southeast Region Freshman of the Year in program history.
