College Volleyball
Rider's Aldaya MAAC/ECAC Rookie of the Week

EDISON—Freshman Emma Aldaya of the Rider University volleyball team was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Rookie of the Week it was announced on Tuesday afternoon.

On Wednesday, she added another accolade when she was named the Eastern Conference Athletic Conference (ECAC) Rookie of the Week.

Aldaya was recognized for all competition September 29-October 5.

A 5-2 defensive specialist from Prospect Park, Pennsylvania (Merion Mercy Academy), Aldaya helped Rider to improve to 5-0 in the MAAC for the first time ever by averaging an even 6.00 digs per set as Rider defeated Manhattan 3-2 on October 4 and Iona 3-2 on October 5.

“Emma continues to be a key piece to our success this year,” said head coach Christopher Feliciano.  “This past weekend, she was at the center of some very critical points, in both five-set wins.”

Against the Jaspers, Aldaya had 24 digs and against Iona, she compiled 36 digs as Rider rallied from a 2-1 deficit.  Aldaya had six digs in the fourth set and eight digs in the fifth and deciding set and also had three service aces against Iona.

This is the second time this season that Aldaya earned conference recognition, having been named the MAAC Defensive Player of the Week on September 9.  Aldaya also earned ECAC Libero of the Week honors on September 10.

Aldaya has the third most digs in the conference (260) and her 4.13 digs per set is the fifth best in the MAAC.

Rider (10-7, 5-0 MAAC) has won six matches in a row and the Broncs are the last remaining unbeaten team in conference play.

The Broncs host Delaware State in a non-conference match Wednesday evening at 7pm in Alumni Gymnasium.

-RU-