First-team All-American Jeff Menzel
On Thursday afternoon, the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) released their annual “All-American” team. This year, that team featured two Gauchos, senior outside hitter Jeff Menzel and senior libero Andy McGuire.
Menzel was named a first-team All-American while McGuire was named to the second team.
Menzel, who was also named a first-teamer on the All-MPSF team, led the Gauchos in most offensive categories in 2011- including kills (453), kills per game (4.23), service aces (29) and total points (509). His kill rate was good enough for fourth in the conference, and his serving also placed him in the conference top-10 for serving. Jeff was also a staple on the back line for the Gauchos, compiling 135 digs on the year, good for third on the team, while also leading the team in reception attempts. Jeff will finish his UCSB career third all time on the kills list and second all time on the aces list.
McGuire, a second-team All-MPSFer established his pedigree as a top defender last year when he set a single-season record for digs by a Gaucho with 322. Andy had another strong campaign in 2011, leading the team with 242 digs. Of all the primary serve receivers (Menzel,Valbuena are the others), Andy had the highest reception percentage, along with the fewest reception attempts- showing opponents’ hesitance to serve his way. Andy’s digs and digs per game were good for fourth in the conference, but he was just one of two liberos selected for the All-America team. McGuire will finish his UCSB career second on the all-time digs list.
Jeff, Andy, and the rest of the Men’s Volleyball team take on the USC Trojans in the MPSF Championship match on Saturday night, Apr. 30 at 7:30 p.m. The match will take place at USC’s Galen Center. UCSB’s first MPSF championship ever is on the line.
