Niagara’s Grace Hetterscheidt selected to Preseason All-MAAC Team

NIAGARA UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

EDISON, N.J. — Sophomore middle blocker Grace Hetterscheidt has been selected to the Preseason All-MAAC Team, while the Purple Eagles were picked fifth in the 2018 MAAC Preseason Poll, announced on Monday.

Hetterscheidt was named to the MAAC All-Rookie Team after her freshman campaign. She led the team in solo blocks (16) and was second on the team in total blocks (57), block assists (41) and blocks per set (.61). Her 1.78 kills per set were third-best on the team and her .221 hitting percentage was the fourth-best.

Niagara was tabbed fifth in the preseason poll behind defending regular season and MAAC Tournament winner Fairfield, tournament runner-up Iona, Marist and Quinnipiac.

Donna Day enters her first season leading the program after serving as an assistant coach for the last two seasons. Niagara returns seven letterwinners from last year’s squad that qualified for the MAAC Tournament, including All-Rookie Team selections Hetterscheidt and outside hitter/defensive specialist Jaycie Roberts.

Niagara finished the 2017 season with an overall record of 18-10 and a MAAC record of 14-4 and led the MAAC in total digs (1,846) and was second in the conference in kills (1,255) and assists (1,182).

Niagara kicks off its 2018 schedule at the Blue and White Classic, hosted by Buffalo, Aug. 24-25.

Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Fairfield (9) – 97
2. Iona (1) – 84
3. Marist – 77
4. Quinnipiac – 65
5. Niagara – 56
6. Rider – 51
7. Siena – 43
8. Canisius – 39
9. Manhattan – 24
10. Saint Peter’s – 14

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