Westmont middle blocker Libby Dahlberg has been named the Golden State Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year and a member of the All-GSAC Team. Sophomore outside hitter Taylor Beckman and junior outside hitter Jessica McCann also received all-conference honors.
Dahlberg tallied 230 kills (2.61 per set) and recorded a team-high .342 attack percentage (third in the GSAC). She also led the Warriors’ defense at the net, notching 12 solo blocks and 72 block assists for a total of 84 (seventh in the GSAC).
“Libby was so much fun to watch and coach this year,” said Westmont head coach Patti Cook. “We knew when we got her as a recruit that she was going to be a good player for us, but she exceeded our expectations. She just got better and better as the season progressed. I think she absolutely deserves this and I’m glad the GSAC coaches agree. She is a major impact player for us.”
McCann was the team leader in kills with 244 (2.68 per set – ninth in the GSAC), while posting a .205 attack percentage. McCann’s season totals include 148 serve receptions, 75 digs, and 26 total blocks.
“I am so proud of Jessica,” noted Cook. “She has come such a long way since her freshman year. I am so happy that she is seeing her own potential. We’ve had to convince Jessica how good she can be. She is very humble, a hard worker and one of the best outside hitters in our conference. Hopefully, this will feed her with a ton of confidence coming into next season. She is a fantastic presence on the front court who found her arm and her stride this season.”
Beckman recorded 227 kills (2.61 per set) and an attack percentage of .250. She was second on the team in service aces with 25, serve receptions 418 and digs 268 (eighth in the GSAC). At the net, she put up five solo blocks and 30 block assists.
“Taylor is a good all-around player for us,” reported Cook. “We have relied a lot on her passing, her digging and on her heavy arm. Taylor was a key play in a lot of games. She stepped up to the plate mid-season and started playing well. She found her stride. She can dig and is one of our best passers. She hits a variety of balls in the front row and she was on our list for serving aces. She is one of the best all-around outside hitters in the conference.”
Westmont finished the season 20-7 (.740), the Warriors’ best record since 2002 when they were 27-9 (.750).
