EDISON, N.J. – Junior Michelle James and freshman right side Ellen Senf were recognized by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) for their on-court performance this season. James was named the 2010 MAAC Setter of the Year and Senf picked up MAAC Rookie of the Year honors.

James, who was tabbed preseason co-player of the year, earns the setter of the year award for the second straight season. James orchestrated the Niagara attack which led the conference in hitting percentage, kills and assists. James led the conference with 10.11 assists per set. Earlier this season, James became the program’s career leader in assists.

Senf was a consistent member on the team all season. Senf’s .277 hitting percentage is fourth in the conference and her .316 hitting percentage in conference matches is the highest among freshmen. She is fourth on the team with 252 kills and third in total blocks with 51.

Niagara led all teams with three players on the All-MAAC First Team. Joining James are junior outside hitter Hannah Hedrick and sophomore middle blocker Amanda Wilken. Hedrick earns first team honors for the second straight season. Hedrick, who was named MAAC Defensive Player of the Week once, led NU and placed fifth in the conference with 3.02 kills per set. Hedrick had 330 digs and 34 service aces, both second most on the team. Wilken has the highest hitting percentage on the team, hitting at a .289 clip which places her third in the conference. Wilken was named offensive player of the week twice.

Niagara placed eight student-athletes to the 2010 MAAC All-Academic Team for the second most in the conference: Kathy Bibler, Lisa Bilich, Lauren Costello, Hedrick, Jame s, Sam Morgan, Shannon Ryan and Wilken. To be eligible for the MAAC All- Academic Team, a student athlete must complete two semesters at their institution and hold a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 on a 4.0 scale.

Offensive Player of the Year – Samantha Good, Canisius
Defensive Player of the Year – Nina Camaioni, Loyola
Libero of the Year – Allyson Severyn, Canisius
Setter of the Year – Michelle James, Niagara
Rookie of the Year – Ellen Senf, Niagara
Coach of the Year – Mark Jones, Manhattan

2010 All-MAAC First Team

2010 All-MAAC Second Team