Nov. 16, 2007

Baton Rouge, LA - For the first time in five years a Southern University volleyball player was named to the Southwestern Athletic Conference All-SWAC team.

Junior Ena Payne was voted on by the SWAC volleyball coaches and sports information directors for the All-SWAC second-team. The Breaux Bridge, LA native recorded a 300 kills to lead the team and place her 5th in the SWAC. The 5'10 hitter also totaled 10 service aces, 121 digs, 54 blocks and 365 points to rank her 8th in the SWAC. During the season she was named SWAC Player of the Week the third week of play and was named to the SU Invitational All-Tournament team.

"I'm surprised and excited," said Payne. It's definitely a shock to receive this honor. I just happy I can represent my team and school in such a way."

"We are extremely proud of Ena for her accomplishment," said head coach Nathaniel Denu. "Ena is very deserving of this award."

A list of the entire All-SWAC team is listed below:

2007 SWAC Volleyball All-Conference Selections

Player of the Year

OH Tamika Newman Prairie View A&M 5-10 Sr. Houston, Texas

Libero of the Year

DS Alyssa Knaus Mississippi Valley 5-8 Sr. Lanigan, Saskatchewan

Newcomer of the Year

S Natalie Rodriguez Alabama A&M 5-7 So. Cagus, Puerto Rico

Freshman of the Year

MB Maura Moed Mississippi Valley 5-9 Fr. San Antonio, Texas

First-Team All-Conference Honors

DS Alyssa Knaus Mississippi Valley 5-8 Sr. Lanigan, Saskatchewan

OH Brittani Lewis Alabama A&M 6-0 Jr. Cedar Hill, Texas

OH Shatara Baydak Mississippi Valley 5-8 Sr. Shoal Lake, Manitoba

OH Tamika Newman Prairie View A&M 5-10 Sr. Houston, Texas

MB Maura Moed Mississippi Valley 5-9 Fr. San Antonio, Texas

MB Shaun Williams Prairie View A&M 5-9 So. Longview, Texas

S Corrina Cox Jackson State 5-8 Sr. Omaha, Neb.

Second-Team All-Conference Honors

DS Latisha Stennis Grambling State 5-8 Jr. East St. Louis, Ill.

OH Amanda Daniels Jackson State 5-10 Sr. Jackson, Miss.

OH Ena Payne Southern 5-10 Jr. Breaux Bridge, La.

OH Jasmine Jacobs Arkansas-Pine Bluff 5-8 Fr. Desoto, Texas

MB Jenitra Shields Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6-1 Jr. Ellenwood, Ga.

MB Erica Greer Jackson State 6-1 So. Dallas, Texas>

S Talon Morgan Grambling State 5-8 Jr. Kountze, Texas