Vaqueros receive All-WAC awards - The Rider Newspaper

Junior outside hitter Claudia Lupescu (left) and junior libero Kiaraliz Perez prepare to receive an oncoming ball during the Oct. 12 match against the Grand Canyon University Lopes in the UTRGV Fieldhouse on the Edinburg campus.
**THE RIDER FILE PHOTOS**

UTRGV Volleyball junior setter Luanna Emiliano, outside hitter Claudia Lupescu, libero Kiaraliz Perez and freshman outside hitter Nadine Zech have received Western Athletic Conference honors.

On Nov. 16, the Vaqueros defeated the sixth-seeded Tarleton State University Texans 3-2 in the quarterfinals of WAC Tournament, held at Lockhart Arena in Orem, Utah. UTRGV was scheduled to face off against Grand Canyon University Nov. 17 in a semifinal match, with the winner advancing to the championship game on Nov. 18.

The WAC announced the awards Nov. 15.

Perez led the conference with 4.83 digs per set, earning the title of WAC Libero of the Year and was named to the All-WAC First Team.

The libero said the hard work and sacrifices have paid off with this award.

“From the first day, I said I wanted to work for this and thanks to God, we got it,” Perez said in Spanish.

She is proud of the team as they have supported her through her time with the program.

*Junior setter Luanna Emiliano, All-WAC First Team, had garnered 1,080 assists in the conference as of Nov. 15, ranking 19th in the nation. PHOTO COURTESY UTRGV ATHLETICS*

Outside hitter Nadine Zech, was named to the All-WAC Freshman Team, had recorded 113 digs, 25 blocks and 10 aces in 26 matches as of Nov. 15.
PHOTO COURTESY UTRGV ATHLETICS

Emiliano earned All-WAC First Team for the second year in a row and led the WAC with 1,080 assists.

She credits her teammates, coaching staff and head coach Todd Lowery for their help.

“I think it’s a recognition of my whole season,” Emiliano said. “I think I’ve been working a lot, every day, day in and day out.”

Lowery said he is happy with the awards the players received as it is a good way to start off the tournament.

“I think it was awesome to see them get recognized for some individual awards,” he said. “Really, just hats off to them for all the individual work they’ve done throughout the season. Especially Lupe and Kiara and Nadine really put in a lot of work and probably weren’t on anyone’s radar to get those awards early on in the year, but I think their everyday practice and work ethic has allowed that.”

Lupescu was named to the All-WAC Second Team, leading the team with 3.28 points per set.

She said receiving the honor means a lot to her as it reflects the hard work she has been putting in.

“I’m really happy,” Lupescu said. “I never got any awards like this before, so I’m excited.”

Zech was named to the All-WAC Freshman Team, after accumulating 229 kills and 113 digs.

The outside hitter said she is appreciative and grateful for the honor.

“Me and my team, we try to give our best,” Zech said. “ … I’m grateful that me and my team are part of this tournament.”

Emiliano said she is excited about the tournament and is looking to have fun.

“We’re in a good spot right now,” she said. “We’ve been working the whole year for that. I think it’s just come here, play good volleyball and have fun. … It’s never easy, I think every day is a new challenge, so I think we’re pretty excited.”

Lowery said he is happy with how the Vaqueros have prepared for the match.

“They’re incredibly competitive and maybe play their best when their back’s against the wall a little bit,” he said. “And we talked about that, about starting fast and finishing off sets.”

Also receiving votes for honors from the WAC were junior right side Perris Key and senior middle blocker Luisa Silva Dos Santos.