Black Named SLIAC Volleyball Freshman of the Year; Frey Named Second Team, Benoit Sportsmanship

BELLEVILLE, IL -- Freshman Rylea Black was named the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Volleyball Freshman of the Year, becoming the first freshman in program history to win the award. Junior Kenadee Frey earned Second Team All-Conference honors while senior Becca Benoit was named to the All-Sportsmanship Team. 

Black finished her rookie campaign with 173 kills while hitting at a .271 clip on the year. She tied for the team's lead with 124 kills during conference play and hit .276 during SLIAC matches. She added 14 solo blocks and 24 block assists. She also finished among the league's top ten in hitting percentage and blocks as well. 

Frey earned Second Team All-SLIAC honors after posting 692 assists throughout the season, with 419 coming in conference action. She also led the team with 28 aces in conference play with 50 total this year. Defensively, she added 352 digs and 21 blocks. Frey finished third in the league with assists and seventh in aces. She also set career school records for both aces and assists this season. 

Benoit wraps up the season with 43 kills. She added 26 digs and 27 blocks, appearing in 19 matches while playing an important piece in the team's rotation. 

The Beavers tied a school record for wins this season and made the SLIAC Tournament for the sixth straight time.