Volleyball: Pieper Named First Team All-America

Central Community College volleyball sophomore hitter Maeghan Pieper has been named to the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division II First Team All-America squad.

Pieper earned All-America honors despite suffering a season-ending injury in late September, which forced her to miss the final month of the regular season, the region and district tournaments and the NJCAA Division II national tournament. Pieper recorded 215 kills and averaged 2.88 kills per set for a .288 hitting efficiency. She also registered 109 digs, 52 blocks and 15 service aces.

"I am very honored to say the least," said Pieper, who earned All-America Honorable Mention honors last year. "I didn't think I would even be in the running for All-America since I was only able to play half of the season. I owe it to my team. Without them, I wouldn't have had a chance. They finished the season with a great record and I couldn't be more proud of them."

The Raiders finished the 2017 campaign with a mark of 36-11 and won the Region IX and District G championships. CCC took ninth place at the NJCAA Division II national tournament.

"Without a doubt, Maeghan is one of the most talented athletes I have coached at Central Community College," said head coach Mary Young. "With Maeghan in the lineup, she was always a threat to opponents and had the ability to bail her team out of tough situations. Even larger than her physical play, Maeghan was such a great leader for us with her actions and her willingness to encourage and motivate others."

Pieper is majoring in animal science and will transfer to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln next year. She is the daughter of Adam and Pam Pieper of Columbus.