ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Last Saturday the Lobo volleyball program put together a special banquet to celebrate all of its outstanding work during the 2014 season and also celebrated the first-ever season of sand volleyball.
The night began with a few speakers, including head women’s basketball coach Yvonne Sanchez and many players speaking about seniors and coaches. The banquet also featured a picture slide show and a highlight film that captured many of the season’s greatest
moments. The careers of the three seniors, Chantale Riddle, Elsa Krieg and Ashley Newman, were also celebrated and acknowledged.
“It was a great night celebrating both the accomplishments of our indoor team and the historic first-ever sand team,” said head coach Jeff Nelson. “Ten new lettermen highlighted a great event. I commend my staff and all who helped as everything was really nice. Congrats to all and all the award winners.”
After playing professionally the last four months, Chantale Riddle made it back to the U.S. to accept many of her accolades. Riddle was a huge factor in the Lobos’ success this season, as she was presented with her All-Pacific South Region and AVCA All-American awards.
Riddle was recognized with the Cherry Silver Award, along with Hannah Johnson. The Cherry Silver Award is the team’s Most Valuable Player award.
The Lobos’ top Newcomer of the Year award went to Eastyn Baleto and Simone Henderson. The two made a significant impact to the indoor team and Baleto had an outstanding first season of sand. Along with Baleto, Julia Warren was awarded with the Most Wins for a Sand Team award. The two went 8-6 in their first-ever sand season.
Warren was tabbed with the Coaches Award for the indoor squad and Newman was voted for the Coaches Award on the sand side. Devanne Sours earned the Captains Award. Sours also garnered Most Improved and had the best GPA for both the sand and indoor teams of a 3.89.
The program has put together two scholarships to recognize their athletes. The Jeanne Fairchild scholarship went to Cassie House and the Lobo League scholarship went to Sours.
Riddle, Warren, Johnson and House were all presented their All-Mountain West awards. A combined 10 Lobos became letterwinners, earning the UNM Lobo Letterman’s jacket.
The volleyball program also recognizes its staff and the help of others throughout the program. The Ruggierio Award went to Juaquin Chavez for all the hard work he puts in the weight room with the program. Two Lobo Awards were handed out as Daniel Foo (Sand Volunteer Assitant Coach) and Lisa Mayfield (Maddie Mayfield‘s mom) were both selected for their help towards the program.
Statistical Awards:
Aces: Hannah Johnson
Kills: Chantale Riddle
Total Blocks: Chantale Riddle
Blocks per set: Simone Henderson
Assists: Hannah Johnson
Digs: Julia Warren
Points: Chantale Riddle