BOYD, ARAGAO NAMED TO ALL-STATE TEAMS

Boyd, a 6-foot-2 outside hitter, earned first team honors after enjoying a career year for the Rams. Aragao was given a second team nod after one of the more productive freshman seasons in recent VCU history. Behind Boyd and Aragao, the Rams finished 17-17 and reached the Colonial Athletic Association Championship Match in November.

 
A Second Team All-CAA selection, Boyd led VCU with 3.44 kills per set and hit .209. She also averaged 1.11 digs and 0.70 blocks per set. Boyd's breakout season also moved her into the top 10 on the Rams' career kills list with 961. In addition to her All-CAA honors, Boyd was named to the COBRA Magazine All-East Region Team.

 
Aragao took over as VCU's setter in preseason practice and directed one of the most potent offensive attacks in the CAA. The 5-foot-11 setter handed out 9.47 assists per frame, but also showcased a multi-faceted skill set. Aragao hit .270 and averaged 0.83 kills, 2.23 digs and 0.88 digs per set. She also led the Rams with 28 service aces.

 
A CAA All-Rookie Team pick, Aragao was one of the driving forces behind the sixth-seeded Rams run to the league championship match, averaging 9.40 assists, 2.60 digs and 0.67 blocks in three matches. She was selected to the CAA All-Tournament Team for her efforts.

 
Boyd and Aragao are two of five starters expected to return for VCU and Coach James Finley's eighth season in 2012.

2011 VaSID University Division All-State Volleyball Team
Player of the Year: Natalie Abel, James Madison
Rookie of the Year: Emma Deininger, Radford
Coach of the Year: Shane Pinder, Liberty

First Team
Natalie Abel, R-Jr., OH, James Madison
Simone Asque, Sr., OH, Virginia
Cara Baarendse, Jr., MB, Virginia Tech
Kristin Boyd, Jr., OH, VCU
Rachel Brummitt, Fr., L, Radford
Loren Thomas, Jr., MB, Liberty

Second Team
Cecilia Aragao, Fr., S, VCU
Emma Deininger, Fr., MB, Radford
Lillie Happel, So., OH, Liberty
Kelly Haseman, Sr., L, Liberty
Jessica O'Shoney, Jr., MB, Virginia
Beth Wildermuth, Jr., S, Virginia