WESTERVILLE — The Marietta College volleyball team had five players named to the 2024 All-Ohio Athletic Conference women’s volleyball team by the league office Monday morning.

Graduate student middle blocker Maggie Fellers, junior outside hitter Jillian Fellers, senior setter Emory Spitler and senior outside hitter Mia Silva all earned first-team honors. Keira Shannon was named to the second team. The number of five All-OAC honorees is the most in program history and is the first time in program history that Marietta has had four players named to the first team.

“I am so proud of each of these girls” said Marietta College head coach Kristy Newman. “They are so deserving. It’s incredible to see the work ethic, selflessness, drive and dedication they put in for their teammates day in and day out.

With an undefeated regular season now in the record books, Newman was deservedly recognized as the OAC Coach of the Year for the second time in her career. “Receiving this award is an incredible honor, but it is not possible without my assistant and my players,” Newman said. “Every player that is a part of our program is so incredible and I am so honored to be able to say that I am their coach. They are the most selfless, hardworking, loving and caring group of women. Two years ago Coach Hadley (Florence) joined us and since day one she has pushed me, cared about me and each of our players and reminded me that we are doing the right things even when the cards don’t fall into our laps. I am so grateful for her and everything she does to improve MC volleyball every day! »

Other accolades were received as Maggie Fellers was also recognized as OAC Player of the Year. Fellers is one of the most decorated players in program history as this is her fourth time making the All-OAC First Team. She was also named an AVCA All-American the past two seasons.

This year, Maggie played and started 21 regular season games. She ranked in the top ten in kills per set (2.58) and averaged almost a block per set. Her .298 hitting percentage was good for seventh in the conference and she also ranked in the top 20 with 2.71 digs per set.

“Maggie has invested tremendously in Marietta College volleyball, not only this year, but over the last 5 years,” Newman said. “She’s been one of the top point scorers for us since her freshman year, but it was never enough for Mags. She is determined every day to improve not for herself, but for her teammates. I believe this is one of the main reasons everyone in our program respects her so much! She truly embodies everything this program stands for! »

Jillian Fellers played and started all 22 regular season games. She led the team with 272 kills and was second in the OAC in kills per set with 3.40.

“Since day one, Jillian has been a fierce competitor in matches” Coach Newman commented. “However, I saw her take that to a different level this season. She showed her competitiveness and drive every day in practice and pushed her teammates to do the same and it spread like wildfire throughout our gym.

Spitler started all 22 matches for the Pioneers and led the OAC for a third straight season in assists per set (10.90).

“Emory is without a doubt the best passer in the CAO”, Newman said. “But that’s not the only thing that sets her apart. His ability to lead on and off the field is special to watch.

Silva missed two matches this season and was still second on the team in kills (224) and sixth in the OAC with 3.2 kills per set.

“Mia has always been an important part of our program, but this season I have seen tremendous growth in her on and off the field,” Newman said. “On the pitch, she has been subjected to more pressured situations than in the past and she handles them in an incredible way. I also got to see the way Mia cares and supports her teammates on and off the field and it’s awesome to watch.

Shannon made her first career appearance on the All-OAC team, although she was one of the fiercest defenders in the OAC during her career. During the season, she was recognized for collecting 1,000 career digs. This season, she currently leads the CAO with 5.78 digs per set.

“Keira has always been a spark plug for MC volleyball” Newman said. “She always strives to be the best libero she can be. She trains daily and is full of energy to improve and push her teammates.

Marietta completed a perfect 22-0 regular season and received first place in the OAC tournament. The Pioneers will host the winner of Tuesday’s OAC quarterfinal game between Ohio Northern and John Carroll this Thursday, November 9. The OAC semifinal match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

“These girls make me proud every day, on and off the field. » concludes Newman. “Being able to coach them is a huge blessing and I am very grateful that they are a part of MC volleyball.” »