CCC RELEASE

As released by the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) office today, Gordon College Volleyball's Valerie Nilan and Annie Murphy have been named to the 2021 Volleyball All-CCC Team for their spectacular play leading the Fighting Scots to the No. 3-seed in the upcoming CCC Tournament.

Nilan earned a spot on the First Team, while Murphy earned a spot on the Second Team. Additionally, Nilan brought home a major CCC award in being selected as the Player of the Year.

Voting for the All-CCC teams and major awards was conducted by the ten CCC head women's volleyball coaches following the conclusion of the regular season.

Nilan was the most dominant player in the conference this season, slamming down a total of 283 kills (No. 2 CCC) in 23 matches, booking double-digit kills in 17 of those appearances, including a career-high 25 kills in a 3-1 victory over Roger Williams this past weekend. The junior led the league in hitting percentage (.452), blocks (70), and points per set (4.5) while holding strong at No. 2 in kills (283) and kills per set (3.63). The middle hitter was flawless on the stat sheet in five matches where Nilan did not commit a single attacking error. A force to be reckoned with at the net, Nilan recorded five or more blocks in seven matches. Additionally, on the national scale, Nilan currently ranks No. 3 in NCAA Division III in hitting percentage as well as No. 28 in points per set. She was named the CCC Player of the Week twice (Weeks ending Sept. 26 and Oct. 30).

After an impressive rookie debut, Murphy more than earned her Second Team nod. The opposite hitter closed out the regular season by recording 10 or more kills in three out of the Fighting Scots' five CCC contests, highlighted by a career-high 15 against Suffolk before matching that feat against Roger Williams. On the season, Murphy was second on the team in kills (141) and blocks (60) coming in just behind Nilan. Murphy also ranked in the top-3 for solo blocks (17) and blocks per set (.83) as well as top-6 for block assists (43) in the conference.

The dynamic duo along with the rest of the Fighting Scots will host the No. 6-ranked Western New England in the CCC Quarterfinals tonight at 7 p.m. on Kanas Court.