COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. ? Kansas University sophomore middle blocker Josi Lima is the first Jayhawk to be named to the American Volleyball Coaches Assn. All-Region Team, the AVCA and Big 12 Conference offices announced Wednesday.

Lima, from Sao Paulo, Brazil, was among nine Big 12 athletes named to the 12-person 2003 Central Region First Team.

6Sports video: Volleyball standout Josi Lima honored

Lima, who averaged 3.15 kills per game, helped the Jayhawks finish 22-11 overall and 13-7 in the Big 12.

“This is a first for the Jayhawks, and we are delighted that Josi was thought of so highly,” KU coach Ray Bechard said. “It was really a combination of Josi having another outstanding season and the team having great success this year — the two factors enabled one another.

“We look forward to having more Jayhawks earn this honor.”