LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Chaminade University setter
Alexia Byrnes (Chicago/Youngstown State/Saint Francis HS) and middle blocker
Sasha Colombo (Milan, Italy/Colorado State/Liceo Scientifico Giordano Bruno HS) were named Wednesday to the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-West Region Teams.
Byrnes was named to the main team while Colombo was on the honorable mention list.
Byrnes, the 2022 Pacific West Conference Player of the Year and two-time conference Setter of the Year, helped guide the Silverswords to PacWest championships both years wearing a Chaminade uniform. Finishing the 2022 season fourth in the conference in assists per set (7.08) and fifth in aces per set (0.41), the senior quarterbacked the 'Swords to their first-ever appearance in the Round of 16 at the NCAA Division II Tournament.
In her only season for Chaminade as a graduate transfer from Colorado State, Colombo was the 'Swords' kill leader at 2.68 per set and was among the PacWest's most efficient hitters with a .304 attack percentage. Chaminade finished leading the conference in both hitting percentage (.245) and opponent hitting percentage (.145).
It is Byrnes' second all-region recognition by the AVCA and the first for Colombo. Both were also named to the NCAA West Region All-Tournament Team.
The AVCA West Region Player of the Year went to Alaska Anchorage's Eve Stephens with Cal State Los Angeles' Iane Henke was the Freshman of the Year. West Region Coach of the Year was Cal State LA's Juan Figueroa.
