Garcia, Simpson claim All-RMAC Volleyball honors

Senior setter Monica Garcia was named to the Second Team All-RMAC squad for the consecutive year.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.— Adams State College volleyball standouts Monica Garcia and Carly Simpson have each been named to the All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Teams, that were announced by conferees officials on Tuesday. Garcia, a 5-foot-7 senior setter from Albuquerque, N.M. was a Second Team selection for the second straight year while Simpson, a 5-foot-6 junior libero from Kent, Wash. was an Honorable Mention pick. Complete RMAC Release

Garcia, a 2000 Albuquerque High School graduate, became the first ASC player to record 1,000 or more assists in three straight seasons finishing the campaign with 1,082, the fifth most in ASC history. Averaging 11.76 per game, the sixth best mark in the RMAC, Garcia never left the floor throughout ASC’s 26-match, 92-game season. She also had 242 digs, the third most on the team, 90 kills, 42 blocks all while leading the Grizzlies with 31 service aces.

Garcia, who was the team captain was also named to the Preseason All-RMAC squad after earning Second Team All-RMAC honors in 2003. She finished her career with 3,489 assists, the second most in ASC history. She also had 1,135 digs in her career, the fifth most in school history.

Garcia eclipsed the 50-assist mark in five different matches in 2004, recording a season-high 61 in her final career match at Western State.

Simpson, who was one of just three Grizzlies to play in all 92 games, led the team with 499 digs, an impressive 5.42 per game average. Finishing third in the RMAC in that category, Simpson eclipsed the 1,000-career dig mark in ASC’s final match at Western State, a night which saw her record a career-high 33. That was one of three 30-plus dig efforts that she would have during the final seven matches of the season.

Her 499 digs were the most by any ASC player in a full decade and was the fourth best single-season in school history. With still one season of eligibility remaining, Simpson has 1,033 career digs. She also had 27 service aces, and trailed only Garcia for the team lead.

The nation’s top-ranked and undefeated Nebraska-Kearney Lopers dominated the RMAC awards placing four players on the RMAC First Team. Junior middle hitter Erin Gudmundson was named as the RMAC Player of the Year while Loper Coach Rick Squires claimed RMAC Coach of the Year honors. Fort Hays State’s Kelly Skidmore was named as the RMAC Defensive Player of the Year and was one of our four Tigers on the First Team. Mesa State right side hitter Drew Choules was named as the RMAC’s Freshman of the Year after helping the Mavericks to a RMAC West Division title and a berth in this week’s NCAA Southwest Regional. Nebraska-Kearney will host that 8-team tournament, which includes four RMAC schools.