By Tim Stried, SID

November 15, 1999

Five volleyball players from Bluffton College have been nominated for the GTE Academic All-America Team. Seniors Sheryl Cunningham, Dena Eichelberger and Shannon Hedrick along with junior Beth Weidus and sophomore Mandy Pequignot represent BC on ballots being voted on by college sports information directors across the country.

GTE sponsors Academic All-America Teams in just two fall sports, football and volleyball, and accepts nominations on behalf of athletes who have met high academic requirements along with being varsity contributors to their respective teams.

Senior Sheryl Cunningham, an English major from Edon, Ohio, had the highest GPA among BC's nominees and was among the team leaders in kills and blocks this fall. A middle hitter, she recorded 394 kills, 197 blocks and 104 digs this season.

Senior Dena Eichelberger, a business major from Ashland, Ohio, was a four-year starter for BC and ranks among the career leaders in digs with 1,144 and service aces with 174. A defensive specialist, she played in 143 matches in her four years and was an honorable mention All-HCAC selection this season.

Senior Shannon Hedrick, a business major from Rootstown, Ohio, was a three-year varsity performer for BC at outside hitter. She was among the team leaders in several categories this fall, including kills (154), blocks (47) and assists (238).

Sophomore Mandy Pequignot, an early childhood major from DeGraff, Ohio, was a first-team All-HCAC selection this fall after leading BC in kills with 303 and hitting percentage at 23.9%. She recorded 65 blocks and 258 digs, as well.

Junior Beth Weidus, an elementary education major from Cleveland, Ohio, was a member of the BC attacking scheme this fall as an outside hitter. She recorded a team-high 39 services aces in addition to her 90 kills and 34 assists.