Penn State Selected as Best Overall Defensive Team for 2005

The Collegiate Volleyball Update (CVU) is pleased to announce its selection of Penn State as the 2005 Overall Defensive Team of the Year.

Already recognized as one of the topping five blocking squads, the Nittany Lions combined that with solid back row defensive to earn the overall top spot.

At the net, Penn State averaged 3.58 blocks per game and combined that with 15.82 digs per game. But, what helped put it over the top, was that Penn State held opponents to only .109 hitting on the season, the lowest opposition hitting percentage for any team.

Joining the Nittany Lions in the top five are a pair of teams also previously recognized. Nebraska was named the Blocking Team of the Year, while the College of Charleston was selected as the digging team of the year.

The Huskers added 14.92 digs per game to their stellar 4.12 blocks per game while holding opponents to .126 hitting. The Cougars meanwhile had a nation-leading 20.44 digs per game, complemented by 2.66 blocks per game. They held opponents to .134 hitting.

Finishing out the list are Army and Valparaiso, recognized for their steady all-around defense. Army averaged 17.06 digs and 2.03 blocks per game, holding opponents to .126 hitting. The Crusaders, meanwhile, elevated 18.81 balls per game and put back 2.93 blocks to limit the opposition to a .125 on the attack.

Defensive Team of the Year

Penn State

Honorable Mentions

• Nebraska
• College of Charleston
• Army
• Valparaiso

To aid selection, team stats were used. Rather than strictly using blocks and digs per game, a formula was developed combining both categories and opponent hitting percentage. Further, a team's service receive errors and blocking were also included in the figures to come up with the final numbers.

For more information on the methods used, to provide input, or help develop these methods, please contact CVU here. Feedback is welcome.

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