By: Ace Hunt
SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. – The postseason recognition keeps rolling in for the
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College women's volleyball team, as
five Pomeroys earned
All-River States Conference (RSC) honors, announced Wednesday afternoon—just one day after SMWC's 3-1 quarterfinal victory over Shawnee State.
Junior outside hitter Karla Melendez, junior middle hitter Masa Pesic and
senior setter Aden Britt were each named to the
All-RSC First Team, while
junior libero Leishmarie Virella and
senior outside hitter Evelyn Morales earned
Second Team and
Third Team honors, respectively.
Pomeroys Sweep Weekly Awards Throughout Season
Melendez, a
four-time RSC Attacker of the Week, continued to prove why she's one of the most dynamic hitters in the NAIA. She led SMWC with
363 kills,
48 service aces, and
443 total points, hitting
.284 while also contributing
270 digs and
42 total blocks. Her six-rotation dominance and steady leadership powered the Pomeroys to their 30th win of the season.
Pesic, a
three-time RSC Attacker of the Week, anchored the middle with exceptional efficiency and defensive strength. She totaled
289 kills, hit
.323, and added
45 aces,
53 total blocks, and
82 digs, making her one of the most well-rounded front-row players in the conference.
Britt, the Pomeroys' senior setter, earned
RSC Setter of the Week honors three consecutive weeks in October and directed one of the league's most potent offenses. She dished out
704 assists (8.09 per set) and added a new single season school record
66 aces,
256 digs, and
17 total blocks, showcasing elite consistency and leadership in her final regular season.
Virella, a
two-time RSC Defender of the Week, anchored SMWC's backcourt with her trademark poise and quick reads. The junior libero posted a team-high
472 digs (5.30 per set) and a
.946 reception percentage, continuing to establish herself as one of the top defenders in the RSC.
Morales, a senior outside hitter and veteran leader, rounded out the honors with
Third Team All-RSC recognition. She delivered
86 kills, hit
.310, and tallied
49 total blocks, adding a stabilizing presence on both sides of the net during SMWC's record-setting season.
Up Next: RSC Semifinals
With Tuesday's quarterfinal win, the
No. 2-seeded Pomeroys (30-5) advance to face
Rio Grande in the
River States Conference Tournament Semifinals on
Friday, November 14 at 4:00 p.m. (ET) in
Kokomo, Ind.