FORT MYERS — Over her two years on campus, Alexia Ortiz has been indispensable for Polk State Volleyball. Her stellar career culminated in an All-Conference recognition on Thursday night.

Ortiz was named to the All-Citrus Conference second team. A sophomore opposite hitter and setter from Puerto Rico, Ortiz enters the FCSAA Tournament among Polk State's leaders in several categories. She currently ranks second in the FCSAA, averaging 0.61 service aces per set – the highest average for a Polk State player in four years.

With the final spot in the FCSAA Tournament on the line on Oct. 29 at Santa Fe College, Ortiz shined, recording a career-high seven aces and 26 assists as the Eagles completed the sweep to advance to the postseason. She had a season-high with 16 kills in each of Polk State's first two Citrus Conference wins this season – against Eastern Florida State College on Oct. 1 and Hillsborough Community College on Oct. 11.

In addition to her serving prowess, Ortiz ranks first or second on the team in kills per set (1.85), assists per set (1.77) and points per set (2.6). Against Eastern Florida State last season, Ortiz showed off her versatility by becoming the first Polk State player in 12 years to record a triple-double.

"Since the first day she arrived, Alexia has done everything we've asked of her and she's done it well," Head Coach Jessica Beal said. "To watch her growth as a player and a person over these last two years has been a tremendous privilege. For her to be recognized as one of the best players in this outstanding region is an incredible and a well-deserved honor."

A team captain, Ortiz and the Eagles will try to keep their season alive on Friday when they face Daytona State College in the FCSAA Tournament quarterfinals in Fort Myers. The winner will move on to take on host and reigning national champion Florida SouthWestern State College in the semifinals.

All-Citrus Conference Second Team

Alexia Ortiz, OPP/S, sophomore, Coamo, Puerto Rico