UCI’s Kellerman named all-region in volleyball

UC Irvine senior Lauren Kellerman has been named first-team All-West Region by the American Volleyball Coaches Assn.

Kellerman, a three-time first-team All-Big West Conference performer, had 349 kills, 259 digs and 20 aces for the Anteaters (17-12), who finished second in the Big West with a 12-4 conference record.

Kellerman, a 6-foot outside hitter, ranks third all-time at UCI in kills (1,584) and sixth in aces (115).

Sophomore outside hitter Kari Pestolesi and junior setter Taryn Robertson received honorable mention.

Pestolesi, a two-time first-team All-Big West performer who was the AVCA West Region and Big West Freshman of the Year in 2007, led the Anteaters with 373 kills and 35 aces. She ranked third in the Big West in kills and aces. Her 348 digs ranked second on the team.

Robertson led the conference and ranked No. 24 nationally with 11.08 assists per set. Her 1,175 assists in 2008 pushed her career total to 3,756, which ranks second all-time in UCI annals.

Her 73 total blocks led UCI and she produced 111 kills and 221 digs.

— From staff reports