Lee's Ojukwu makes a kill.
Irene Ojukwu
Paula Martins
Nicole Sumida
MONTGOMERY,Ala.- Junior Irene Ojukwu was named SSAC Volleyball Player of the Year. The conference announced the honor Friday evening at the annual awards banquet.
The Sao Paulo, Brazil native was instrumental in guiding the Lady Flames to a 24-9 regular season mark against some of the toughest competition in the NAIA. Lee went 13-1 in conference play and is currently ranked ninth in the latest NAIA poll.
Junior Paula Martins was honored as Newcomer of the Year. The transfer from Northern State (S.D.) made an immediate impact in her first year as a Lady Flame.
Nicole Sumida garnered Freshman of the Year honors.
Sumida played at Baylor High School last year and didn't miss a beat in her first year of collegiate action. The Hixson, Tenn. native was also named to the All-Freshman team.
Ojukwu, Martins, sophomore Marija Zelenovic and junior Camil Martinez were named first team all-conference. Junior Libby Peigen joined Sumida as Lee's 2nd team all-conference representatives.
Senior Courtney Wilson was named to the Champions of Character Team.
SSAC Award Winners
FIRST Team
Irene Ojukwu
Paula Martins
Camil Martinez
Marija Zelenovic
SECOND Team
Nicole Sumida
Libby Peigen
FRESHMAN Team
Nicole Sumida
Champions of Character Team
Courtney Wilson
Player of the Year
Irene Ojukwu
All-Academic Team
Becky Bourne
Kalyn Helton
Paula Martins
Patty Orozco
Lauren Williams