Aug. 17, 2012

CHICAGO - Senior outside hitter Kelsey Safranek (Downers Grove, Ill./Downers Grove South) was named to the Preseason all-Horizon League Team, it was announced by the conference office Friday afternoon.

This is Safranek's fourth accolade from the Horizon League. The senior was named to the all-Newcomer Team as a freshman, followed by back-to-back all-League honors. She was additionally named the "Offensive Player of the Week" on September 12, 2011.

Safranek had 466 kills (4.40 per set) during the 2011 season, which places her career total at 1,158. She also logged a career-high 33 kills at Youngstown State on Nov. 11, 2011.

Kara Koch of Cleveland State was named the Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while Taylor Root of Valparaiso earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.

The Flames begin their season Aug. 24 against Syracuse at the Colgate Classic. Prior to the season opener, UIC will hold its intersquad Blue versus Red scrimmage Saturday at 11:00 a.m. (CT) inside the Flames Athletic Center, followed by a BBQ at 12:30 p.m., which is open to alumni, friends and family.

Preseason All-League Team

Elizabeth Egerer, Milwaukee

Brittany Groth, Green Bay

Kara Koch, Cleveland State

Rachel Neuberger, Milwaukee

Kayla Price, Milwaukee

Taylor Root, Valparaiso

Kelsey Safranek, UIC

Preseason Offensive Player of the Year: Kara Koch, Cleveland State

Preseason Defensive Player of the Year: Taylor Root, Valparaiso

--UIC—