Willits, Augustine named to All-Region teams

A pair of freshmen were selected to represent Western Iowa Tech on the Iowa Community College Athletic Conference and Region 11 All-Region teams, as selected by the region's coaches.

Setter Kaira Willits and outside hitter Maya Augustine earned spots on the second and third teams, respectively, after the Comets' inaugural season as an NJCAA program.

"These two student-athletes represent where we want this program to go," head coach Dante Frattini said. "We certainly have other players that were deserving of the same honors, but Kai and Maya are great representatives of what we want Comets volleyball to be. And, as freshmen, they have a lot of room still to grow and influence future Comets."

Willits, a California native, was named to the second team as the Comets' primary setter for the 2023 season. She averaged 7.55 assists/set for the season, which saw WIT run both 6-2 and 5-1 offensive systems.

"Kai was one of our most dependable players, a true rock for us," Frattini said. "We could count on her to keep our attack in a strong rhythm throughout the ups and downs of a match. The fact that she has a great serve and loves to play defense just made her more special."

Willits and Augustine tied for the team lead with 0.44 service aces/set. 

Augustine was named All-Region third team after scoring 2.51 kills/set and averaging 3.16 digs/set.

"Maya was what we needed in a consistent, six-rotation outside hitter," Frattini said. "She does everything well, front row and back, and has a great mind for the game."

A graduate of West High School in Sioux City, Augustine averaged 3.16 digs/set, second on the team behind only libero Eriza Tamez.

Willits averaged 3.15 digs/set, ranking third on the Comets.