WVB: Lasers Shine in 2024 GNAC All-Conference Honors

November 25, 2024

Newton, MA- The Lasers had a dominant presence in the 2024 GNAC All-Conference Awards, with several players earning honors for their outstanding performances. Here's a closer look at the Lasers who made the list of honorees.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

McKenna McCool

McCool spearheaded the attack of a Lasell offense that led the GNAC in multiple categories offensively including kills, kill/set, service aces, and points. The Loomis, California product finished in the top-five in the conference in a few offensive categories individually. She ranked fifth in kills (309), second in attack percentage with .331 (per NCAA statistical requirements), and third in points (387.5) and points per set (3.9). The senior had collected double-digit kills in 18 matches, including a season-best 20 kills against Kean (NJ) last month. McCool collected three double-doubles on the season as well. The Lasers' Outside Hitter was also recognized by the conference twice as Player of the Week (Oct. 7 and Oct. 21).

SETTER OF THE YEAR

Sydney Katz

Katz was the ultimate distributor for the league-leading Lasell offense this past season. She was the set-up to the Laser attack, dishing out 744 total assists on the year and 6.25 assists per set, both of which were good for top-five in the conference. In addition, she finished second in service aces with 74, which also placed her in the top-15 nationally in Division III. The Ridgefield, Connecticut native collected 20 or more assists in 22 of 34 matches with her season best being 39 assists against Kean (NJ) in October. Katz had collected eight double-doubles on the season and one triple-double as well. The junior was named Setter of the Week once on Oct. 28.

LIBERO OF THE YEAR

Madeline Caro

Caro was the defensive leader for a Lasell defense that was third in total digs (1708). The San Diego, California product accumulated for nearly 25% of the teams digs as she produced 417 digs, which was good for sixth in the conference. The Lasers undefeated conference play limited Caro's opportunities statistically as Lasell was the leader in blocks and blocks per set but the junior was the catalyst to such a strong Laser defense that her impact was greatly felt on the defensive side of the net. Caro reached double-double digs in 18 matches, including six matches of 20+ digs. She was named Libero of the Week once on Oct. 21.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Jeff Vautrin, Lasell

Vautrin led his Lasell team to an undefeated 15-0 season in GNAC play. His team was among some of the best in the league both offensively and defensively. The Lasers earned the No. 1 spot in this year's GNAC Tournament as Vautrin's leadership led the Lasers to back-to-back GNAC Championships. Lasell only lost two sets in their regular season conference play and only once in postseason action.

McCool, Caro and Katz were all named to the GNAC All-Conference first team as well as their major awards. Joining the three Lasell standouts on first team is senior outside hitter Eliana Baran. Baran tallied 256 kills on the season, with a 2.69 kill per set average. Baran was previously a standout player for Eastern Nazarene College before transferring to Lasell at the start of the year. Baran was previously named the NECC Player of the Year (twice), NECC Rookie of the Year, NEWVA All-Rookie team, NEWVA All-Region Honorable Mention and NEWVA All-Region Third Team to name a few.

Representing the Lasers on second team is senior middle blocker Juliana Medini. Medini was a force to be reckoned with on the net, posting 101 kills, 18 solo-blocks, and 81 block-assists on the season. Medini currently holds the Lasell records for career blocks with 407, and block-assists with 304.

Rounding out All-Conference selections is Emily VanHouten and Morgan Bogli, both of which were named to All-GNAC Third-Team. VanHouten put up 185 kills, 165 digs, and 62 total blocks on the season. Bogli tallied 147 kills, 33 digs, and 57 total blocks on the season.

Lastly, Emily Cerasani was named to the All-GNAC Sportsmanship team. The senior setter played in 23 sets for the Lasers, tallying 38 assists and 22 digs.

Full List of Honorees:

First Team All-Conference

McKenna McCool, Lasell

Peyton Oliver, Johnson & Wales

Isabella Marquez, Emmanuel

Hannah Pridgeon, Simmons

Kamdyn Tenorio, Regis

Eliana Baran, Lasell

Sydney Katz, Lasell

Madeline Caro, Lasell

Second Team All-Conference

Zoe Chatterton, Simmons