GRAMBLING, La. | Grambling State University sophomore defensive specialist Jada Taylor was named the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Volleyball Preseason Libero/Defensive Player of the Year, the conference announced on Wednesday.
Taylor was also selected to the All-SWAC Preseason First Team, while teammate Gillian Jones earned second-team honors.
Taylor, the SWAC’s Libero of the Year last season, racked up 201 digs, averaging 5.15 digs per set, which ranked second in conference play. The Chicago, Ill. native also recorded 36 assists, eight service aces and four kills in 39 sets played.
Jones played in all 52 sets as an outside/right side hitter. The Houston, Texas native registered a team-high 123 kills, averaging 2.37 kills per set, along with five assists, one service ace. Defensively, she tallied 30 digs and 27 total blocks.
Grambling State opens the 2021 season Aug. 27-28 in Denton, Texas as the Lady Tigers participate in the North Texas Invite. GSU will meet South Dakota State (1 p.m.) and McNeese State (5 p.m.) during the first day of the tournament and conclude the two-day season-opening event at North Texas (1 p.m.) on Aug. 28.
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