2013 GNAC Men's Volleyball All-Conference Team Announced
BOSTON, Mass. – The Great Northeast Athletic Conference has announced the 2013 All-GNAC Men’s Volleyball Teams and major awards following the completion of this weekend's championship in which Rivier University claimed the title following a 3-1 victory over Emmanuel College.
BOSTON, Mass. – The Great Northeast Athletic Conference has announced the 2013 All-GNAC Men's Volleyball Teams and major awards following the completion of this weekend's championship in which Rivier University claimed the title following a 3-1 victory over Emmanuel College.
Player of the Year – Steve Visentin (Cheshire, Conn.), Senior, Setter, Rivier University
Visentin helped lead the Raiders to their sixth consecutive GNAC title running the offensive show all season long. The setter led the GNAC in assists per set (10.09), recording 1,070 helpers over 33 matches. Over the year, the senior notched 74 kills while hitting an efficient .396 from the floor. Visentin totaled 134 digs, 72 total blocks and 19 service aces on the year.
Defensive Player of the Year – Matt Bynon (Burnt Hills, NY.), Junior, Libero, Rivier University
Bynon was a rock for the Raiders defensive unit this season, being named the GNAC Defensive Player of the Week six times over the 2013 campaign. The junior currently has a conference-high 289 digs and is averaging 2.75 digs per set. The libero posted 10+ digs in 12 matches on the year including a game-high 20 digs in the GNAC Championship victory over Emmanuel College.
Rookie of the Year – Alex Frapech (Woodland Hills, Calif.), Freshman, Outside Hitter, Emerson College
Frapech enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign, collected 333 kills to rank first on the Lions squad and third overall in the GNAC. His 3.40 kills per set ranks also ranks him third among conference leaders and 16th in the nation. A strong all-around player, the outside hitter also collected 181 digs on the year to go along with 27 total blocks and 23 service aces.
Coach of the Year – Craig Kolek, Rivier University
Coach Kolek led the Raiders to the program's sixth consecutive GNAC Championship and Rivier in the AVCA Top 15 rankings throughout the majority of the season, reaching a peak ranking of No. 7 in the nation. Under Kolek, the Raiders posted another 20+ win season and now has a 362-184 (.663) record in his 17th season.