Santos Named Preseason All-Big 12

NORMAN, Okla. - Oklahoma volleyball senior Eliane Santos has been selected to the preseason All-Big 12 team, the conference office announced. The 6-5 middle blocker was picked by the league's head coaches and was one of 13 players voted to the squad.

As a junior transfer last year, Santos had a break-out season in her first year with the Sooners. The Brazil native led the squad in kills (3.86 per game) and blocks (1.57 per game), both of which ranked fifth among all Big 12 players.

In addition to setting OU single season records in solo blocks, block assists and blocks per game, she was also selected by Collegiate Volleyball Update as one of the top five blockers in the country.

“Eliane had a great season last year and it's a compliment to her that all of the coaches recognized her efforts.“ head coach Santiago Restrepo said. “However, the preseason doesn't mean anything. I know she's excited about the challenge of proving this season that she belongs with this group.”

2006 Schedule | Santos Bio

Other All-Big 12 honorees included Sarah Pavan of Nebraska, selected as the Preseason Player of the Year and Natalie Uhart of Kansas picked as Preseason Newcomer of the Year, while Ashley Engle of Texas was named the Preseason Freshman of the Year.

The preseason coaches' poll was also released. The Sooners, who ended 2005 with a 7-22 record and an 11th place standing, were picked to finish 10th. Nebraska earned the top spot in the coaches' poll after advancing to the NCAA Championship match last season.

The Sooners report to camp Monday, Aug. 7 and will hold their annual Crimson and Cream scrimmage and clinic on Saturday, Aug. 19.

OU opens the season with the Sooner Legends Nike Invitational (Aug. 25-26) at the Howard McCasland Field House with its first match against Arkansas at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25.

For more information regarding OU volleyball, visit SoonerSports.com.

Preseason All-Big 12 Team
Desiree Guilliard-Young, Baylor (MB, 6-5, Sr.)
Ashley Nu'u, Colorado (S, 5-10, Sr.)
Erin Boeve, Iowa State (MB, 6-2, Jr.)
Emily Brown, Kansas (S, 6-2, Jr.)
Jessica Vander Kooi, Missouri (OH, 6-2, Sr.)
Jordan Larson, Nebraska (OH, 6-2, So.)
Sarah Pavan, Nebraska (OH, 6-5, Jr.)
Eliane Santos, Oklahoma (MB, 6-2, Sr.)
Dariam Acevedo, Texas (OH, 5-10, Sr.)
Leticia Armstrong, Texas (MB, 6-1, Jr.)
Brandy Magee, Texas (MB, 6-2, Sr.)
Michelle Moriarty, Texas (S. 5-10, Jr.)
Christi Hahn, Texas A&M (MB/OH, 6-1, Sr.)

Preseason Player of the Year: Sarah Pavan, Nebraska (OH, 6-5, Jr.)
Preseason Newcomer of the Year: Natalie Uhart, Kansas (MB, 6-2, Sr.)
Preseason Freshman of the Year: Ashley Engle, Texas (S, 6-3, Fr.)

Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Nebraska (8)
2. Texas (3)
3. Missouri
4. Kansas State
5. Texas A&M
6. Colorado
7. Kansas
8. Iowa State
9. Baylor
10. Oklahoma
11. Texas Tech

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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