LIBERTY LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Aleka Darko, Sophomore, Middle Blocker, Ithaca College
Ithaca middle blocker Aleka Darko was named the Liberty League Player of the Year. Darko led the Liberty League in blocks (91) and blocks per set (0.90) and was sixth in hitting percentage (.280). She has recorded 43 solo blocks and 48 block assists on the year. She was also among the league’s top 10 in points (5th, 322) and points per set (6th, 3.19). A two-time Liberty League Performer of the Week honoree, Darko leads Ithaca in kills (241), points and blocks while ranking second in kills per set (2.87).
LIBERTY LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Leila Chipepo, Opposite Hitter, Ithaca College
Ithaca first-year opposite hitter Leila Chipepo was recognized as Liberty League Rookie of the Year. Chipepo was second among conference leaders in total blocks to teammate Darko with 69. She produced a team-high 55 block assists and added 21 solo blocks. She played in 108 of 110 sets this season and amassed 231 kills, good for second on the Bombers.
LIBERTY LEAGUE COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR: Ithaca College – Johan Dulfer, Head Coach; Assistant Coach Marley Zochert
Ithaca head coach Johan Dulfer and his assistant coach Marley Zochert were recognized with Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year honors. They directed the Bombers to a 24-4 overall record and an 8-0 unblemished mark against conference opponents. The Bombers were the top seed of the conference tournament and claimed their first-ever Liberty League title with a 3-0 win in the semifinals and a thrilling 3-2 victory in the championship match. As a team, Ithaca leads the league in hitting percentage (.219), blocks (218), blocks per set (1.98), digs (1621) and kills (1330). They are also ranked second in digs per set (14.74), kills per set (12.09), assists (1211) and assists per set (11.01). Ithaca moves on to its seventh-straight NCAA Tournament appearance with the regional getting underway in Huntingdon, Pa. on Thursday, November 10.
ALL-LIBERTY LEAGUE FIRST TEAM
Emma Baxter, Sr., DS, Clarkson
Liv Benard, So., MB/RS, RIT
Julia Costa, Jr., DS, Ithaca
Isabelle Crow, Sr., S, Clarkson
Aleka Darko, So., MB, Ithaca
Sydney Neff, Jr., S/OH, RIT
Elaina Wamhoff, So., S, William Smith
ALL-LIBERTY LEAGUE SECOND TEAM
Leila Chipepo, FY, OPP, Ithaca
Julia Giroux, FY, OH/MH, St. Lawrence
Shannon McGrath, FY, OH, Union
Malya Sayre, FY, OH, William Smith
Elizaveta Telepova, So., RS, William Smith
Allyson Treichel, So., MH, Clarkson
Kristin Werdine, Sr., OH, Clarkson
ALL-LIBERTY LEAGUE HONORABLE MENTION
Jo Blanco, Jr., OH, Skidmore
Hailey Hayes, So., OH, Vassar
Ryan Lum, Jr., OH, Bard
Alexandra Montgomery, Jr., OH, Ithaca