PITTSBURGH – A program-record seven Panthers were named all-conference, announced by the ACC Monday afternoon. Rachel Fairbanks was named ACC Setter of the Year for the first time in her career while Olivia Babcock notched ACC Freshman of the Year honors, the first Panther to do so in program history.
Fairbanks, Babcock and Torrey Stafford were named First Team All-Conference after enjoying standout seasons. This marks Fairbanks’ second ACC award in her career. In addition, Babcock and Stafford earned spot on the ACC All Freshman Team.
Fairbanks is running a one setter offense for the first time in her career, recording a career-high 748 assists and has notched four ACC Setter of the Week awards. She is setting Pitt to a blistering 0.309 team hitting percentage, good for third in the nation. In addition, Fairbanks has dug 152 balls and recorded 53 aces and 40 blocks.
Babcock has been instrumental in her rookie season, being named ACC Freshman of the Week six times, ACC Offensive Player of the Week and AVCA National Player of the Week. Babcock leads the Panthers in points and kills with 442 and 349, respectively, and is second in the nation for points per set by a true freshman in the Power Five.
Stafford has impressed as a freshman, being a six-rotation player all season long. She is second on the team with 310 kills, second with 357 points and third with 162 digs. Stafford has notched three ACC Freshman of the Week honors and earned an ACC Offensive Player of the Week award.
Valeria Vazquez Gomez, Chiamaka Nwokolo, Emma Monks and Emmy Klika all earned a spot on the All ACC Second Team. Vazquez Gomez and Nwokolo see themselves on the list for the second time while Monks and Klika notch their first conference award.
Vazquez Gomez continues her excellent play as a six rotation outside hitter. She has 252 points, 206 kills, 173 digs and 28 aces to her name. Vazquez Gomez is also hitting a career-high .282. Her 28 aces and 0.31 service aces per set is a personal best.
Nwokolo has been a consistent presence in the middle, hitting a career-high .433 while notching 128 kills. Her 1.17 blocks per set is a personal best and is instrumental in Pitt being second in the nation in blocks per set (2.95).
Monks records her first career…
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