LEXINGTON, Ky. — The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) has announced its 18th annual National Volleyball Association (NVA) Division III Men's Volleyball All-America Teams, with Carthage College student-athletes Zach Bulthuis, Gene McNulty, and Matt Slivinski being named to the first-team list, while Carter Schmidt was named to the honorable mention list.

Sophomore Zach Bulthuis collects his first all-america after tallying 114 kills and led the Firebirds in blocks with 47 during the season. Bulthuis finished first in hitting percentage (.426) and second in the conference in blocks per set while his .426 hitting percentage ranked ninth in the country. Bulthuis, from Tinley Park, Ill., was also named the AVCA west all-region team last week and was the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Defensive Player of the Year. 

Freshman setter Gene McNulty, a two-time CCIW Setter of the Week selection, came away with his first all-america honor along with being named AVCA West Region Newcomer of the Year last week. McNulty, from Oak Lawn, Ill., led the conference in assists per set (11.13) which also ranked second in Division III. McNulty was also a first-team all-conference honoree.

After being named AVCA West Regional Player of the Year last week, Matt Slivinski picks up his third all-america honor. Slivinski earned his second consecutive CCIW Offensive Player of the Year award and totaled 205 kills, 29 service aces, and 20 blocks during the regular season for the Firebirds, while leading the conference in aces per set, and points per set.

Carter Schmidt comes away with NVA/AVCA honorable mention all-america after finishing with 134 kills, a .317 hitting percentage, 24 service aces, and 20 total blocks. Schmidt, from Germantown, Wis., was also named to the AVCA West all-region list. 

The 2021 TeamSnap/AVCA Division III Men's National Player of the Year and AVCA Newcomer of the Year will be announced on Tuesday, April 20. 

The Firebirds prepare for the NCAA Division III National Tournament next and await the winner of Messiah versus Fontbonne after receiving a first-round bye.

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