The Tri-Nine all-conference volleyball teams were released, and it should be of no surprise that undefeated state champion Apex took home a number of honors. The Cougars swept the coach and player of the year awards and placed two more on the first team.

Upperclassmen became the theme of this year's list as all but six selections were seniors.

Christina Vucich, junior, Green Hope volleyball

Green Hope volleyball player Christina Vucich has committed to Duke University. At 6-4, Vucich is projected to be a setter at the next level. The lefty also excels at blocking and serving for the Lady Falcons.

She is the second player in our area to commit to an ACC school, as Ashleigh Crutcher — a senior at Cary Academy — has committed to Maryland. Vucich will also be the second Green Hope player in three years to play in the ACC, as Lindsey O'Connell will be a freshman at Clemson this year.

Vucich's committment to Duke also makes it four future D1 volleyball players in the Tri-Nine, joining Kris Harris (Apex/Elon), Alston Kearns (Apex/Tennessee) and Brandi Anderson (Holly Springs/Western Carolina).