University of Delaware Athletics
Blue Hen Sophomore Maria Bellinger Named CAA Volleyball Preseason Honorable Mention
8/18/2017 1:54:00 PM | Volleyball
RICHMOND, Va. -- University of Delaware sophomore outside hitter Maria Bellinger was named Preseason All-Colonial Athletic Association Volleyball honorable mention as the league announced its preseason poll and all-conference team on Friday.
Bellinger, a native of Paramus, N.J. (Paramus HS), was one of five players selected honorable mention along with Allison Beckman and Krissy Mummey of Charleston, Sydney Busa of Elon, and Maddy Kline of UNCW.
Jocelyn Kuilan of Towson was named the league's Preseason Player of the Year and was joined on the All-CAA team by Taylor Austin of James Madison, Kennedy Madison of Charleston, Laura Masciullo and Michela Rucli of Hofstra, and Kristen Walding of Northeastern.
Bellinger earned CAA All-Rookie Team honors a year ago when she appeared in 32 matches while making 29 starts during her freshman campaign. She tied for the team lead with 338 kills, while her 2.77 kills per set led the Blue Hens. Bellinger ranked second on the team with 381 points, was third with 18 service aces, and placed fourth with 181 digs on the year.
Bellinger reached double figure kills in 18 matches, and recorded career-highs of 21 kills and 14 digs against UNCW. She finished the year with six double-doubles, and was named the CAA Rookie of the Week on Nov. 7.
Delaware, which advanced to the 2016 CAA championship match last season, was picked sixth with 28 points in the CAA Preseason Poll. College of Charleston was selected to win the league, followed by Hofstra and defending champion James Madison.
The Blue Hens, led by first-year head coach Sara Matthews, open the 2017 season next weekend at the West Virginia Tournament by facing the host Mountaineers, Penn State and UT-Martin.
MEDIA INFORMATION: Contact Kevin Tritt at: ktritt@udel.edu (email) / 302-831-8715 (office) / 302-383-5005 (cell)
