Karlen named All-OVC first team, Powell on second-team roster
CHARLESTON, Ill. – With the Ohio Valley Conference Volleyball Championships on the horizon, the Tennessee Tech volleyball team earned two league honors on Saturday as the conference recognized its postseason honorees. Senior setter Jordan Karlen was named to the All-OVC first team, while graduate outside hitter Bella Powell was named to the second-team roster.
By Thomas Corhern, TTU Athletics Media Relations
CHARLESTON, Ill. – With the Ohio Valley Conference Volleyball Championships on the horizon, the Tennessee Tech volleyball team earned two league honors on Saturday as the conference recognized its postseason honorees.
Senior setter Jordan Karlen was named to the All-OVC first team, while graduate outside hitter Bella Powell was named to the second-team roster.
Karlen finished third in the conference in assists with 1,065 on the season, averaging 9.51 per set. She recorded 100 total kills and 24 service aces, while also picking up 291 digs and 37 blocks. Karlen finished the season with 146.5 points scored.
It's Karlen's fourth appearance on the All-OVC team with first-team selections in 2022 and 2024 and a second-team pick in 2023.
Powell ranked fifth in the OVC with 381 kills – 3.43 per set – ninth in service aces with 38, and fourth in total points with 443, an average of 3.99 per set. A versatile player, Powell also shined on defense with 307 digs and 44 blocks.
The selection is Powell's first OVC pick.
Morehead State's M.E. Hargan (441 kills, 515.5 points) was named the OVC Player of the Year, while Little Rock's Andrea Roman (602 digs) was the Defender of the Year. Eastern Illinois setter Catalina Rochaix (1,066 assists) was the Setter of the Year, while Southern Indiana setter Aysa Thomas (1,048 assists) was the Freshman of the Year. Eastern Illinois first-year head coach Ryan Millar was the Coach of the Year after leading the Panthers to a tie for first place with Morehead State.
EIU claimed five spots on the All-OVC rosters, while Morehead State earned four, Little Rock and Southern Indiana three, Southeast Missouri and Tech two and one each for UT Martin and Western Illinois.
The sixth-seeded Golden Eagles (14-16) open up the conference tournament Sunday at 1 PM as they take on No. 3 Southern Indiana in the opening round. The winner will take on the victor of the No. 2 Morehead State/No. 7 SIUE contest on Monday at 3 PM.
