DeBlecourt, Marysheva Break Ground With All-CCAC Honors

CHICAGO – Emily DeBlecourt and Viktoria Marysheva became the first Roosevelt players in four seasons to be named to the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference all-conference teams, the league announced Monday.

Both outside hitters were second-team selections this season as Roosevelt punched a ticket to the conference tournament for the first time in six seasons. DeBlecourt caps her Lakers career with her first all-conference honor after finishing the season with 193 kills and a .148 hitting percentage. The Lockport native also added 33 blocks and 176 digs during her all-conference season.

"I think Emily would agree that her first year with us wasn't what she had expected – battling injuries while finding her place within the program is a tough place to be – for anyone," Roosevelt head coach Nicasio Paquiz Jr. said. "So for Emily to come back this season, get that chance to compete at the level she knows she's capable of, and have the year she had – I couldn't be more proud and happier for her."

Marysheva's all-conference honor was a long time coming for the Russia native after leading the Lakers in kills for the third consecutive season. She set a career high with 275 kills this season to average a career-best 2.84 kills per set, bringing her to sixth place all-time in career kills. She also added 1.81 digs per set and 16 blocks to average a career high 3.1 points per set.

The junior is one of several key returners for Roosevelt as it heads into the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference next season. She remains 250 kills away from 1,000 in her career and is also among the program bests in hitting percentage and total attacks.

"I am very happy that the conference felt Vika was deserving of this recognition," Paquiz said. "She has been a staple on our offense since she arrived on campus, and each year, commits to developing another area of her game.  Her growth has been exciting to watch, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Vika will accomplish during her senior campaign in the GLIAC."