Long Beach’s May Named Big West Player of Year

Long Beach State sophomore setter Misty May was named Big West Conference volleyball player of the year Tuesday. May, the conference’s freshman of the year last season, led the 49ers to a 32-2 regular-season record.

May, from Newport Harbor High, ranked third in the Big West with 11.85 assists and was seventh in hitting percentage with a .315 mark. She also averaged 2.75 digs, 1.91 kills and 0.68 blocks a game.

Three of May’s teammates--sophomore outside hitter Jessica Alvarado, junior middle blocker Nique Crump and junior outside hitter Jenn Snyder--also were first-team all-conference picks along with Cal State Fullerton senior outside hitter Heather Bassett.

Middle blocker Benishe Dillard and outside hitter Michelle Jones, both of Long Beach, and UC Irvine freshman middle blocker Jamie Hill were second-team selections.