BEVERLY, Mass. – After being named Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) Rookie of the Year and named to the GNAC All-Rookie Team, sophomore Claire Conners earned regional honors announced this month. The All-GNAC first team selection was one of 12 student-athletes named to the New England Women's Volleyball Association (NEWVA) All-Rookie Team.
Conners joined Johnson & Wales' Peyton Oliver to make the team following an outstanding season on the court. Ranked second amongst GNAC leaders in attack percentage, was the second Simmons student-athlete to receive Rookie of the Year accolades in as many years. Hitting .310 with a team-high 244 kills, she also represented the Sharks on the GNAC All-Rookie Team. Late in the year, Conners helped the Sharks to its first win over Johnson & Wales in seven years, registering 19 kills on 46 attempts with just three miscues for a .348 attack percentage.
Senior Amanda Fortune capped off a tremendous career with the Sharks being named to the NEWVA All-Senior Team. One of 32 volleyball seniors to make the team, Fortune finished her career at Simmons second amongst program leaders in total blocks (171) and fourth in overall kills. Additionally, she was named to the All-GNAC third team this season, leading the Sharks with 48 total blocks (40 BA, 8 BS). Fortune joins former Shark Meaghan Flynn '12 to be recognized on the All-Senior Team.