EMU women’s volleyball player Paris Hutchinson (Waynesboro, Va./Wilson Memorial) continues forging into new territory with postseason awards, today being named as the Rookie of the Year by the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID). Hutchinson was also voted to the All-State Second Team.
This is the first-ever VaSID Rookie of the Year award for an EMU volleyball player, and likely the first all-state honor in 20 years.
An opposite hitter, Hutchinson added another dimension to EMU’s rotation, forming a fantastic 1-2 punch with senior outside hitter Hannah Johnson (Staunton, Va./Wilson Memorial). Hutchinson finished third in the ODAC in kills per set (3.55) and points per set (4.1), fourth in total kills (156), and fifth in total points earned (181.5). She also ranked 10th in the league in hitting percentage (.236). Her 108 total digs and 15 service aces were second for the Royals.
Hutchinson registered double figure kills in 9-of-13 matches played with a season-high 19 winners to go with eight digs against Bridgewater on April 1.
Led by Hutchinson and Johnson, along with senior setter Tori Wigley (Elkton, Va./East Rockingham), Eastern Mennonite advanced to the ODAC Tournament for just the second time in 13 seasons where they lost to eventual ODAC champion Washington and Lee.