Post by goshen32 on Dec 7, 2009 12:32:41 GMT -5
SIOUX CITY, Iowa – After compiling perhaps the best overall season in Goshen College volleyball program history, the awards keep flying in for junior Peni Acayo (Kampala, Uganda).
After being selected as the Mid-Central College Conference Player of the Year at the conclusion of the MCC Tournament, Acayo was named the program’s first-ever NAIA All American First Team this weekend as part of the national championships.
In addition to her conference and All American honors, Acayo was also tabbed as the Mid-Central Region Player of the Year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
The high-flying Ugandan racked up a career-high 554 kills this season, ranking her in the top ten in the country – among 239 NAIA schools who participate in intercollegiate volleyball. She compiled up the impressive total with a solid hitting percentage of .277, while being the main target of opposing teams who created entire defensive schemes around stopping her.
2009 NAIA All American First Team
2009 NAIA All American First Team
Acayo’s 4.29 kills per set was the fourth highest in Maple Leaf history – she also holds the second-highest mark at 4.59 as a freshman. In their final match of the season, Acayo put her name atop the program’s career kills list and will head into her senior season with 1,447.
Opponents are also well aware of Acayo’s deadly jump serve. She holds three of the highest 15 single season totals for service aces and already ranks fourth all-time in Goshen College history with 167 aces.
What really made Acayo an all-around threat this season – ultimately boosting her resume for All American and MCC POY honors – was her defensive prowess. Acayo finished the season 10th in the MCC in digs with 437, nearly double her previous single-season total. She also compiled 57 total blocks, making her just as dangerous at the net as in the back row.
“The thing that really separated her from some other outstanding players, was her ability to play so effectively in all aspects of the game,” said first-year head coach Jim Routhier.
The all-around game of Acayo has helped the Maple Leafs reach new heights as well. Named the NAIA Region VIII Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, Acayo was then an NAIA All American Honorable Mention pick after leading Goshen to their second ever MCC Semifinal during her sophomore season.
The Maple Leafs took it a step further in 2009 as they made a run through the MCC Tournament to reach their first championship match, where Acayo tallied her record-breaking kill. Despite losing four seniors following this season, Goshen will still have Acayo and all conference selections Kelsey Herschberger (2009) and Brittany Herschberger (2008) as they look to continue the rapid improvement of the program.
After being selected as the Mid-Central College Conference Player of the Year at the conclusion of the MCC Tournament, Acayo was named the program’s first-ever NAIA All American First Team this weekend as part of the national championships.
In addition to her conference and All American honors, Acayo was also tabbed as the Mid-Central Region Player of the Year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
The high-flying Ugandan racked up a career-high 554 kills this season, ranking her in the top ten in the country – among 239 NAIA schools who participate in intercollegiate volleyball. She compiled up the impressive total with a solid hitting percentage of .277, while being the main target of opposing teams who created entire defensive schemes around stopping her.
2009 NAIA All American First Team
2009 NAIA All American First Team
Acayo’s 4.29 kills per set was the fourth highest in Maple Leaf history – she also holds the second-highest mark at 4.59 as a freshman. In their final match of the season, Acayo put her name atop the program’s career kills list and will head into her senior season with 1,447.
Opponents are also well aware of Acayo’s deadly jump serve. She holds three of the highest 15 single season totals for service aces and already ranks fourth all-time in Goshen College history with 167 aces.
What really made Acayo an all-around threat this season – ultimately boosting her resume for All American and MCC POY honors – was her defensive prowess. Acayo finished the season 10th in the MCC in digs with 437, nearly double her previous single-season total. She also compiled 57 total blocks, making her just as dangerous at the net as in the back row.
“The thing that really separated her from some other outstanding players, was her ability to play so effectively in all aspects of the game,” said first-year head coach Jim Routhier.
The all-around game of Acayo has helped the Maple Leafs reach new heights as well. Named the NAIA Region VIII Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, Acayo was then an NAIA All American Honorable Mention pick after leading Goshen to their second ever MCC Semifinal during her sophomore season.
The Maple Leafs took it a step further in 2009 as they made a run through the MCC Tournament to reach their first championship match, where Acayo tallied her record-breaking kill. Despite losing four seniors following this season, Goshen will still have Acayo and all conference selections Kelsey Herschberger (2009) and Brittany Herschberger (2008) as they look to continue the rapid improvement of the program.