July 20, 2007

Contact: Greg Murphy

CLEVELAND - The Cleveland State volleyball team has been honored for its exceptional performance in the classroom as a recipient of the Game Time/American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Team Academic Award as announced on Friday.

It marks the third straight year that CSU has received the honor.

The Vikings, who were one of just 55 Division I schools to earn the award, carried a team grade point average of 3.646 during the 2006-07 school year. In addition, CSU once again excelled on the court as it tied for second place in the Horizon League and advanced to the semifinals of the league tournament for the third straight year.

"This award is a reflection of the well-rounded student-athletes that we have continued to bring to Cleveland State," head coach Chuck Voss said. "It is a testament to how hard the team works throughout the year to be successful student-athletes."

The award, which began during the 1992-93 academic year, honors college and high school teams that display excellence in the classroom by maintaining a cumulative 3.30 GPA or better during the school year.

The Vikings, who return five starters and 10 letterwinners from last year's squad, are slated to open the 2007 season on Aug. 24 against Xavier at the Toledo Invitational.