Ross, a first team All-Conference USA selection, finished sixth in the nation in hitting percentage (.413) which was good enough for second in the league in the category. Ross blasted a team-best 294 kills and earned a team-high 91 total blocks (9 solo, 82 assisted).
“Jalicia is an amazing example of what a determined athlete can achieve,” head coach Mitch Jacobs said. “She came here with almost zero volleyball background. Through very hard work, a great attitude and a desire to maximize her God-given athleticism she is now one step from being an All-American.”
Ross drilled a career-high 20 kills against UAB on Sept. 28 and registered double-digit kills in 17 matches during the 2008 season. Ross also collected a career-best 11 total blocks (2 solo, 9 assisted) against UCF on Nov. 7, and followed that performance with 10 total blocks (1 solo, 9 assisted) versus Southern Miss on Nov. 9, and on Oct. 17 at UTEP she became the first Marshall player since Nickie Sanlin in 2005 to hit at a staggering .800 clip (16K 0E, 20TA).
“You have to also give her two middles coaches, Maren Witzel and especially Patrick Nicholas," said Jacobs. "A lot of credit in her development. I am so proud that I was able to coach Jay, and share two C-USA championships with her along the way.”