Otterbein volleyball sees four named Academic All-District

WESTERVILLE, Ohio – Four members of the Otterbein University volleyball program were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team, as announced on Tuesday. Seniors Maddie Mergen, Grace Ganz and Olivia Vitaz, as well as sophomore Emerson Baum were all recognized.

Vitaz collects her second straight Academic All-District honor, and advanced to the national ballot where she will have a chance at becoming an Academic All-American. As a senior, Vitaz was a First Team All-OAC selection, recording 795 assists and reaching the 2,000 career assists mark early in the season.

Baum also advanced to the national ballot, coming off a season where she was a First Team All-OAC, First Team All-Region, and a Second Team All-American pick. Her 358 kills were a team-high, as well as 100 total blocks for the year. Baum attacked at a .325 clip and tallied 36 service aces.

Mergen closed out her senior year by being named to the All-OAC Second Team. In 24 matches, the opposite hitter floored 170 kills and posted 54 total blocks. Ganz concluded her career in marvelous fashion, racking up 255 digs and a team-high 40 service aces as a solid defender for the Cardinals.

The Otterbein volleyball team turned in a 24-6 overall record, winning their fourth straight OAC Tournament Championship and earning a share of the OAC Regular Season title. The Cardinals advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the 11th time in program history before falling in the opening round.

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Players Mentioned

#26 Emerson Baum: MB/OH; 6' 0"; Sophomore

#16 Grace Ganz: DS; 5' 5"; Senior

#6 Maddie Mergen: OPP; 6' 0"; Senior

#25 Olivia Vitaz: S; 5' 10"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#26 Emerson Baum
: 6' 0"; Sophomore
: MB/OH

#16 Grace Ganz
: 5' 5"; Senior
: DS

#6 Maddie Mergen
: 6' 0"; Senior
: OPP

#25 Olivia Vitaz
: 5' 10"; Senior
: S