CORTLAND, N.Y. - The State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC) 2018 women's volleyball awards have been voted on by the conference coaches. The awards consist of the Offensive, Defensive, Rookie, and Coach of the Year and the All-Conference teams.

Offensive Player of the Year - Grace Cergol, Geneseo 

For the second straight season, Geneseo's outside hitter Grace Cergol has been voted the Offensive Player of the Year. The East Northport native was an offensive force for Geneseo this season, helping lead the team all the way to the conference championship game with her 336.5 points scored. Cergol led all players in the conference in kills per set (4.18 overall) and was among only five players in the conference to amass 300 points. Besides her offensive prowess, Cergol also accumulated 228 digs this season - among the highest on her team.

Defensive Player of the Year - Natalie Magallon, Potsdam

Magallon's first season with the Bears proved to be a dominating one. After playing volleyball for two years at Rio Hondo College, the California native transferred to Potsdam, where she proved to be among the best defensive players in the conference. The junior led the entire SUNYAC with her 689 digs overall - 142 more than the next-highest player - while also leading the conference with 6.04 digs per set. Magallon's efforts helped Potsdam improve considerably from last season. After sitting out of the conference tournament last year, this season, the Bears were able to secure a spot in the postseason.

Rookie of the Year - Maddie McLaughlin, Geneseo

Geneseo outside hitter Maddie McLaughlin made quite a splash during her rookie season, proving to be one of the most productive offensive players for the Knights. The freshman was a key factor in Geneseo's run to the SUNYAC championship with her offensive capabilities, compiling an impressive 242 kills - second highest on the team. McLaughlin also averaged 2.26 kills per set and scored 258 points playing for Geneseo this year - both categories put her among the team leaders.

Coach of the Year - Matt Giufre, New Paltz

New Paltz women's volleyball head coach Matt Giufre's 17th season with the Hawks proved to be quite successful, helping lead the team to their third conference championship under his leadership (2009, 2014, 2018). Giufre is the winningest coach in the history of the Hawks' volleyball program, and has become quite respected by his peers in the conference. This year is the fifth time Giufre has won Coach of the Year recognition; the other years being 2004, 2006, 2009 and 2014.  

2018 Women's Volleyball All-Conference Teams (PDF)