By Nicholas Huenefeld/OCCAC Sports Information
Ellie Cain, a freshman setter from Columbus State Community College, and Tevin Williams, a freshman forward from Cuyahoga Community College, have earned the final volleyball and men's soccer player of the week awards of the season.
Cain guided the Cougars to an undefeated conference slate and outright OCCAC championship with wins over Cincinnati State, Lorain County and Owens last week. She had at least 42 assists in each match, including 51 in the conference title clinching win over Owens. She leads the nation in assists per set at 12.65.
"Ellie understands the game really well and is very in-tune to the high expectations for her," said Columbus State head women's volleyball coach Jaclynn Yocum. "She guided us to an outright conference championship Saturday - recording over 50 assists on the road against Owens. Ellie is an obvious leader on the court, but what I love most is her competitive attitude."
In 29 matches this year, Cain has 74 kills, 1,252 assists, 36 service aces, 184 digs and 45 blocks. She leads the team in assists and is second in aces.
Columbus State enters postseason play with a 28-1 overall record and 14-0 OCCAC. They will take on Alpena Community College at 4 p.m. on Friday to open postseason play.
Cain previously won player of the week honors on Sept. 7. Her honor marks the fifth time a Columbus State player earns weekly honors this season.
Williams, meanwhile, picked up his second OCCAC player of the week award of the season. He previously won conference and national player of the week honors on Sept. 28.
Williams produced three goals and two assists in his team's 6-6 tie against No. 16 Monroe Community College. It was his only game of the week, and he now has four games of at least three or more goals this year.
Overall, Williams has a team-high 21 goals and four assists this year. He is ninth in the nation in goals scored. Most importantly, his play this year helped Cuyahoga (6-10-3 overall) earned its first postseason berth in a long time. The Challengers will travel to Cincinnati State (13-4-1) for a Region XII quarterfinal on Wednesday at 7 p.m.