The City University of New York Athletic Conference announced its year-end women’s volleyball awards on Tuesday morning, and the Lehman College women’s volleyball team was well represented. Libero Jillian Acevedo who has been a member of the Lightning for three seasons and has become a staple of the team, was named a first team all-star. In addition, she was an overwhelming choice for the Sportsmanship Award. Her on-court demeanor and support of teammates and opponents is a shining example and model of a true sportsman. Her teammate, standout Gerri-Ann Martin, was also given all-star praise, as she was named a first team all-star as well.
Acevedo, serving as the team’s libero this season, was a tremendous on-court leader. She played in 100 of the 106 sets the Lightning played in during the 09’ campaign, and she performed beautifully. Her 451 digs led the team, and her 89 assists were good for second on the squad. In addition, her 34 service aces were good for fifth-best on the team.
Gerri-Ann Martin, who was named CUNYAC Rookie of the Year last November for her phenomenal inaugural campaign, followed that up with an even more impressive season in 2009. She participated in a team-leading 102 sets, and she also led her unit in kills (380) and service aces (67). Her 257 digs were good for second on the team, and her nine solo blocks were good for third on the unit. Lehman College head coach Wolfgang Lucena praised his two all stars for their tremendous efforts during the 2009 campaign.
“Jillian and Gerri-Ann were two very important pieces to our puzzle this year,” Lucena said. “Obviously, every single person on the team played a role in helping us reach the semifinals of the CUNYAC tournament, so it was a team effort. These two players, however, really directed us and led by example. I’m extremely proud of both of them and they were very deserving of the praise they received. I’m excited to see what they will do for us in 2010.”
The Lightning finalized their 30-match season at 12-18. Lehman College finished 6-3 in CUNYAC competition during the regular season and earned a quarterfinal round home match in the 2009 CUNYAC Women’s Volleyball Tournament. The Lightning defeated Staten Island 3-0 in that match before falling to Baruch College 3-1 in the semifinals.