Akokwe Clement Named Volleyball's MVP
4/2/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
April 2, 2016
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Air Force senior Akokwe Clement was named the MVP of the Air Force volleyball team on Saturday, April 2, as the Falcons celebrated the recent 2015 season at their end-of-year banquet at The Academy Hotel. Clement was one of three seniors to be recognized with awards.
Clement, the first Falcon in Division I history to garner multiple all-conference selections (2014-2015), became the Academy's all-time leader for kills (1501) and points (1661.50) this year. Ranked third in the Mountain West for kills (3.83 per set) and points (4.39 per set), Clement registered four 20-kill matches, became the program's Division I leader in single-season points (553.50), earned MW Player of the Week honors on Sept 14 and led Air Force in kills during 27 contests.
Fellow senior Rebecca Bates was named the team's Defensive Player of the Year for the third time in as many seasons. Bates became the program's Division I leader in digs this year, as she finished her career with 1339 digs. As the Falcons' libero, Bates registered 434 during her senior campaign – the third-highest single-season total in Academy history. A mainstay of the Falcons' lineup for the last four years, Bates became the Academy's Division I leader in matches played (126) and sets played (468).
Senior Maggie Sherrill earned the Amy Svboda Coaches' Award for the second time in as many years. A two-time team captain, Sherrill finished her Academy career ranked among the top-five in Division I kills (1013, fifth) and points (1107.5).
The 2015 season included several notable milestones, including the first Division I victory over a member of the Pac-12 Conference (3-2, vs California), the second win ever over an Ivy League school (3-0, vs Harvard), the first-ever season sweep of San Diego State and the first victory over UNLV since 1999. Highlighted by a five-match winning streak, Air Force matched the Division I record for non-conference wins (seven).
