LIBERTY LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Katie Hobler, Senior, Outside Hitter, Rochester Institute of Technology
RIT senior outside hitter Katie Hobler has been selected as the Liberty League Player of the Year. Hobler led the Liberty League in hitting percentage (.306) and was second in kills per set (4.13) and points per set (4.73). She is also among the top 10 in blocks per set with 0.56 (53 total). Entering NCAA Tournament play this weekend, Hobler is ranked 15th in Division III in kills per set. A three-time Liberty League Performer of the Week selection, Hobler played and started in all 28 matches for the Tigers, she leads the team in kills, points and hitting percentage.
LIBERTY LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Sydney Neff, Sophomore, Setter/Outside Hitter, Rochester Institute of Technology
RIT sophomore Sydney Neff was named the Liberty League Rookie of the Year. Neff, in her first season on the court for the Tigers, made an immediate impact, playing in 24 of the team’s 28 matches. A four-time Liberty League Rookie of the Week selection, Neff leads the team and league in assists per set with 10.44, recording 814 on the year. Nationally, Neff is ranked 14th in assists per set. She also registered 1.90 digs per set, good for fourth on the team.
LIBERTY LEAGUE COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR: Rochester Institute of Technology – Jim Lodes, Head Coach; Assistant Coaches John Tuttle & Kelsey Klopfer
RIT head coach Jim Lodes and assistant coaches John Tuttle and Kelsey Klopfer were recognized as the Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year. Lodes directed the Tigers to a 24-4 overall record and an undefeated 7-0 mark against conference opponents in regular-season play for the first time in program history. As a team, the Tigers are ranked 12th nationally in hitting percentage (.250) and 19th in opponents hitting percentage (.096). RIT earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and the team will be making its second appearance since 2018.
ALL-LIBERTY LEAGUE FIRST TEAM
Isabelle Crow, Jr., S, Clarkson
Taylor Higgins, Sr., OH, RIT
Katie Hobler, Sr., OH, RIT
Gillian Kurtic, Gr., MH/RS, Clarkson
Jordyn Lyn Hayashi, Sr., L, Ithaca
Sydney Neff, So., S/OH, RIT
Natalie Piper, Sr., OH/RS, St. Lawrence
ALL-LIBERTY LEAGUE SECOND TEAM
Zoe Beals, Sr., OH, Skidmore
Emma Baxter, Jr., L, Clarkson
Paris Buckner, Gr., MH, Ithaca
Sara Ehnstrom, Sr., UTL, Vassar
Jaelyn Hershberger, Sr., OH, Ithaca
Jamie Koopman, So., MH, Ithaca
Annika Kreppein, Sr., OH/RS, St. Lawrence
ALL-LIBERTY LEAGUE HONORABLE MENTION
Callista Gasper, Sr., MB, RIT
Ryan Lum, So., OH, Bard
Audrey Powell, Jr., S/RS, Skidmore
Allyson Treichel, Fr., MH, Clarkson
Kristin Werdine, Jr., OH, Clarkson