Nov 11, 2005

Neumann Volleyball Head Coach Deana Jesperson announced the winners of the 2005 Neumann Knights Volleyball Team Awards at the annual banquet held at the Neumann College Living and Learning Center Schmidt Room. Awards handed out at tonight's event consisted of Most Valuable Player, Knights Award, Blue and Gold Award, and the St. Francis & Clare Award.  

 

Freshman middle hitter Julia Tarloski received the team MVP Award. Tarloski had a terrific season which included a All-PAC All-Conference First Team nod. The 5' 7" middle hitter led the squad in kills with 345 over 105 games for a 3.29 per game average. The 3.29 average ranks fifth all-time in Knights history. Tarloski was first on the team in block solos with 55, third on the team in aces (30) and second in total attacks (847). She also tallied 23 assists. 

 

Freshman middle Hitter Rachel Williams received the 2005 Knight's Award. Willaims, a native of Williamstown, New Jersey landed 3^rd in blocks among her teammates recording 9 block solos and 10 block assists. Williams was also honored with the 2005 Pennsylvania Athletic Conference All-PAC Sportsmanship Award.

 

This year's St. Francis and Clare Award went to freshman Rachele Dimichele. Dimichele played in 30 games for the Knights and was honored for her exceptional display of dedication to the Franciscan mission of Neumann College. Through her leadership on and off the court the Knights banned together for one of the best seasons in four years.

 

Before the final team award for the afternoon was handed out, Senior Shannon Steffy and Junior Jenna Halpin, joined with the rest of the Neumann Knights, to honor their head coach and 2005 PAC Coach of the Year, Deana Jesperson. Jesperson and Assistant Coach Matt Matt Verlinghieri led the Knights to a 15-14 overall season record, the best in four years for Neumann.  

 

The last award of the evening was then handed out to senior Shannon Steffy, who was the recipient of the Blue and Gold Award. Steffy, who will graduate in May with a degree in sport management, saw action in 426 games over her four year career as a Knight and racked up 478 digs. She also tallied 114 kills and over 500 total attacks. Her presence on the court will surely be missed next season.

 

 Jesperson, Verlinghieri, and Sack, sent out one last thank you to the room of almost 100 Neumann Knights' supporters for all their assistance, prayers, and encouragement throughout the season, official ending a very successful year.