Week 10 Volleyball Weekly Awards Announced
Rookie of the Week
Cassidy Ceriani, Canisius
So., S, San Diego, CA/Scripps Ranch
Cassidy Ceriani proved to be the quarterback of the offense this past week, helping the Griffs go a flawless 3-0 against Niagara, Manhattan and Iona. The sophomore setter averaged 10.08 assists per set, and nearly 2.5 digs per set (2.42) leading both on offense and defense. The sophomore also chipped in eight kills, and six service aces to extend her team lead to 35. Ceriani recorded a double-double twice during the three-match week, recording 46 assists and 12 digs against Niagara, and a season-high 51 assists and 11 digs in the win over the Gaels. She has 10 assist/dig double-doubles this season. Ceriani helped Canisius record its best October win percentage since 2013, as the Blue and Gold went 6-3 with a .667 win percentage.
Libero of the Week
Rylee Hunt, Niagara
Sr., L, Cypress, CA/Los Almitos High School
Rylee Hunt led the Purple Eagles with 5.27 digs per set in three matches last week. Hunt had a match-high 28 digs and added three assists against Canisius on October 26. Hunt had her 16th 20-plus dig match with a match-high 20 digs while adding four assists in a four-set win over Iona on Saturday. In her final home match of her career, Hunt had 10 digs in the sweep of Manhattan. She is fourth in the NCAA with 6.05 digs per set.
Rookie of the Week
Claire Leonard, Canisius
Fr., OH/MB, Bettendorf, IA/Bettendorf
Leonard continued to be the catalyst offense, helping Canisius to a perfect 3-0 week, facing Niagara, Manhattan and Iona. The freshman outside hitter averaged 4.00 kills per set and 1.42 digs per set, getting involved on offense and defense. Against Niagara the first-year standout tallied 17 kills and just six errors helping Canisius defeat Niagara in the regular season for the first time since 2013, and followed that performance up with a new season-high with 22 kills against Iona. The freshman also tallied three service aces, two blocks and hit .190 for the three-match set.