SJC Volleyball duo earn All-American honors

By: John Bechtle, for San Jacinto College -- December 4, 2012
Media Contact: Amanda L. Booren

Two San Jacinto College women’s volleyball players were awarded National Junior College Athletic Association first team All-American honors after leading the team to a third-place national finish.

Marie-Pierre Bakima (Nogent-sur-Oise, France/Lycee Emmanuel Mournie), a sophomore outside hitter, and sophomore middle blocker Marlaina Pleydle (Victorville, Calif./Victor Valley H.S.) represented San Jacinto College on the 2012-2013 list of honorees.

Bakima registered 378 kills over 39 matches and was one of the nation’s leaders throughout the season in that category as well as kills per set (2.82).

Pleydle’s 1.60 blocks per set placed her in the top five nationally. She also set a new SJC record with 214 blocks on the season.

“Marie is just an outstanding leader, a two-time captain for us,” San Jacinto College Head Coach Sharon Nelson said of the Region XIV Most Valuable Player.

“Anytime we got into a pinch this season, we turned to her. With Marie, it’s about more than just kills or stats, it’s her presence on the floor and the leadership she brings.”

Nelson, who pushed her 11-year career record to 332-105 after a 36-3 season, said Pleydle’s season was just as impressive,

“Marlaina set a record that had stood since 1983, and that is a lot of San Jacinto College volleyball history,” Nelson said. “She’s always upbeat, good-hearted and ready to do anything to help us be successful. It was a great season from a great person.”

Both players were key as San Jacinto, ranked No. 1 nationally for much of the season, earned its seventh consecutive top-10 finish at the national tournament in West Plains, Mo. Bakima was named to the NJCAA all-tournament team in 2011 and 2012.

Both players were also recognized by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. Bakima was a first team All-American choice, and Pleydle was listed among the second-team honorees.

“Any coach would be happy to have these two phenomenal ladies in the gym as part of their team,” Nelson added. “Obviously, our goal was to win nationals, but another priority in our program is to make sure that players like these two have a chance to play at four-year schools after they leave here.

“After our last match at nationals, we were directing traffic with the four-year colleges. Marie and Marlaina are obviously two great ones, and we have five other sophomores just as talented as them. We feel good about their futures.” 

About San Jacinto College

Surrounded by monuments of history, industries and maritime enterprises of today, and the space age of tomorrow, San Jacinto College has been serving the citizens of East Harris County, Texas, for more than 50 years. The College, an Achieving the Dream Leader College, is committed to the goals and aspirations of a diverse population of 30,000 students in over 140 degree and certificate options, including university transfer and career preparation. Students also benefit from the College’s job training programs, renowned for meeting the needs of growing industries in the region. Our graduates contribute nearly $630 million each year to the Texas workforce. San Jacinto College. Your Goals. Your College.

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