University of California, Merced – Four Women’s Volleyball Players Named Academic All-District

MERCED, Calif. – Four members of the University of California, Merced women’s volleyball team have been named to the College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) Academic All-District Team, the organization announced this week.

The 2022 Academic All-District Teams recognize the nation’s top student athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom. To qualify for the honor, each student athlete (sophomore or above) must have a 3.5 minimum cumulative grade point average while playing in at least 50% of the team’s games in 2022.

Senior middle blocker Valentina Evans, senior libero Jalen Carey, junior outside hitter Olanasaze Ojo, and junior setter Bianca Malaluan each earned the distinction for the Bobcats.

Evans, an environmental systems science major, was one of just two Bobcats to play in at least 100 sets this season. Evans finished the season as one of just two players in the California Pacific Conference with at least 1.3 kills per set, 0.7 blocks per set, and a .289 hitting percentage. Evans totaled 72 blocks, 19 of which were solo. Her 19 solo blocks were tied for third most in the conference. 

A psychology major, Carey was a staple in the Bobcats back row and finished third on the team with 2.0 digs per set. Carey also added 16 assists and 15 service aces. Academically, the Vacaville, Calif., native entered her senior campaign having landed on the Chancellor’s List each of the last two years.

Ojo, a management and business economics major, led the Bobcats with 2.5 kills per set in her first season as an outside hitter coming from the middle blocker position. Ojo also finished with 0.5 blocks per set to finish as one of just four Cal Pac players in 2022 with at least 2.5 kills and 0.5 blocks per set. Ojo’s strong campaign led to an All-Cal Pac Second Team selection. Ojo has earned Chancellor’s List honors in each of her first two academic years.

Malaluan, a management and business economics major, played in 99 of the Bobcats 103 sets this season and led the team with 4.3 assists per set. Malaluan also finished top five with 1.8 digs per set and 20 service aces. In addition, Malaluan recorded five assist/dig double-double’s in 2022.

The four Bobcats on the all-district team advance to the CSC Academic All-America ballot. The Academic All-America teams will be announced in mid-December.