Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG, Va. – Sophomore Felicia Willoughby was named first-team All-ACC, while freshman Erin Leaser received ACC All-Freshman team honors, the conference announced on Tuesday, capping the duo’s strong campaigns in Virginia Tech’s best season since 2002.
Willoughby garnered first-team honors after topping the ACC in hitting percentage this year, breaking Tech’s school record by striking at a .402 clip. The Pleasanton, Calif., native finished 2008 with team-highs in kills, racking up 326, and blocks, tallying 117. Willoughby received all-ACC second-team status in 2007, as well as earning a spot on the All-ACC freshman squad.
Leaser sparked the Hokies to 11 straight wins this season, matching the longest winning streak in school history, after taking over the primary setting duties during the Western Kentucky match on Sept. 6. The Allentown, Pa., native registered 1,084 assists on the season, ranking fifth all-time among Tech freshmen. With Leaser honored this season, the Hokies have placed a player on the All-ACC freshman team the past three years, with Willoughby in 2007, and Taylor Parrish in 2006.
The Hokies went 20-11 on the year, winning 20 matches for the first time since 2002. Tech’s 11 wins in the ACC equal the highest win total for the Hokies in the conference. Tech won 11 matches in the ACC in 2006.
All-ACC First Team
Brianna Eskola, North Carolina
Danielle Hepburn, Clemson
Talisa Kellogg, Georgia Tech
Callie Miller, Georgia Tech
Rachael Moss, Duke
Natalie Mullikin, Wake Forest
Kelsey Murphy, Clemson
Lauren Prussing, North Carolina
Felicia Willoughby, Virginia Tech
ACC All-Freshman Team
Simone Asque, Virginia
Lane Carico, Miami
Kellie Catanach, Duke
Sophia Dunworth, Duke
Kadija Fornah, Wake Forest
Erin Leaser, Virginia Tech