Trio of Belles Earn All-MIAA Honors, Corbett Named Freshman of the Year

FREELAND, Mich. - For the first time in program history, the Saint Mary's volleyball team had three of its members earn All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) honors. Rachel Bonek and Marielle Corbett were each First Team All-MIAA selections while Audrey Shannon picked up Second Team All-MIAA honors. Additionally, Corbett was selected by league coaches as the 2017 Freshman of the Year.

A senior right side hitter for the Belles, Rachel Bonek was third among all players in the conference in kills (181), fourth in kills per set (3.14), fourth in total points (206.5), eleventh in attack percentage (.257), and tied for fourteenth in total blocks (29). A team co-captain this season, she had four double-doubles in conference play in 2017. Additionally, she contributed at least one block in 15 of 16 conference competitions and surpassed 10 kills on 10 occasions for the Belles. Bonek had better than a .200 attack percentage in 13 of the team's matches against MIAA opponents. The First Team All-MIAA honor is the first of her career.

A freshman outside hitter for the Belles, Marielle Corbett was second among all players in the conference in kills (185), third in kills per set (3.14), and third in total points (211.0) in MIAA competitions this fall. She was eighth in total digs (182) among non-defensive specialist players during the conference season. A two-time MIAA Player of the Week, Corbett posted double-doubles in kills and digs in five conference matches during her freshman season. She reached 20-plus kills and 20-plus digs in home matches against Hope and Adrian. Corbett is the second Belle to pick up MIAA Freshman of the Year honors (Lorna Slupczynski, 2006).

"I am so happy that the conference coaches recognized what Rachel and Marielle have done for us this year," said head coach Denise Van De Walle. "Their numbers and the fact they are six rotation players speaks to their contributions to our team. Making first team is an honor and so well deserved for them."

On Corbett's Freshman of the Year award, Van De Walle added, "I am thrilled for her! She came into the conference and made her presence known right away. She has handled a big load for us. Her numbers are certainly impressive. Beyond all that she is a wonderful person to coach and have on the team."

The starting libero for the Belles this season, Audrey Shannon led the conference in digs (337) and digs per set (5.71). She set a new MIAA record for digs in a five-set match with 46 in the Belles' home victory over Adrian. A two-time MIAA Specialist Player of the Week, she had at least 11 digs in each of the team's 16 conference matches of 2017. Shannon surpassed 20 digs on nine occasions, and six of those nine contests ended with wins for the Belles. The junior served up at least one ace in 11 of the team's matches and posted a .969 serve percentage.

"Audrey led the conference in digs per set so I was hopeful she would be recognized for that. She is a great libero who performs all her skills well."

The Belles had two honorees in 1998, 2003, 2006, 2008, 2013, and 2016. Not only is 2017 the first time for the program to pick up three All-MIAA honors, but it is also the first time the Belles have had multiple student-athletes garner First Team All-MIAA recognition.

"In a year when we weren't expected to do much, I'm so proud of all we were able to accomplish. We made it this far because they all contributed everyday to the TEAM concept. I am so blessed. To God be the glory!"

2017 Volleyball All-MIAA First Team
Paige Baker, Hope
Rachel Bonek, Saint Mary’s
Marielle Corbett, Saint Mary’s
Sarah DeVries, Calvin
Sophie Hackett, Hope
Anna Kamp, Calvin
Jenna Lodewyk, Calvin
Monica Shuk, Albion

2017 Volleyball All-MIAA Second Team
Keilahna Castillo, Calvin
Haley Muller, Hope
Katie Rietberg, Hope
Taylor Rosenthal, Albion
Shannon Scott, Trine
Audrey Shannon, Saint Mary’s
Tessa Van Laare, Calvin
Grace VanDorn, Albion
 

2017 MIAA Volleyball Most Valuable Player
Anna Kamp, Calvin

2017 MIAA Volleyball Defensive Player of the Year
Monica Shuk, Albion

2017 MIAA Volleyball Freshman of the Year
Marielle Corbett, Saint Mary’s