After BGSU volleyball kept their MAC tournament hopes alive with a reverse sweep against Akron at home in the Stroh Center, the three seniors were honored on their senior night.
Tears were shed as senior middle blocker Jessica Andrews, senior right side Lauryn Hovey, and senior defensive specialist Isabelle Laube’s names were called
Before the game began, the three Canadian seniors also got to hear their own country’s national anthem before the playing of the U.S. national anthem.
And after the match, Andrews’ name was called first. Over the course of her career at BG, she racked up 646 kills on a 0.301 hitting percentage with 449 total blocks. Last night, she had 13 kills on 33 total attacks as well as five digs, a service ace, and six blocks.
In addition, Andrews received team All-MAC honors, including a first-team nod in 2024. She is a six-time MAC defensive player of the week and a one-time MAC offensive player of the week. Her 160 total blocks in the 2024 season broke the BG rally scoring era record.
“Jess [Andrews] has had to play positions that aren’t comfortable for her, and she’s a person who loves process, she loves preparation,” said head coach Alex DelPiombo, “She’s been really flexible for us, and that’s out of her comfort zone.”
Next up was Hovey. During her time at Bowling Green, she had 1456 kills, 443 assists, 167 service aces, 731 digs, and 299 total blocks. Her 59 aces in 2024 set the rally scoring era single-season record.
Hovey is the 2024 MAC player of the year. She received an AVCA All-American honorable mention, three-time All-MAC first team, 2024 NIVC All-Tournament team, two-time Academic All-MAC, 2022 freshman of the year, 2022 MAC tournament MVP, and 11 MAC offensive player of the week awards.
“Lauryn [Hovey] being out, she’s still all in on the team,” remarked DelpPombo, “She’s still asking for solutions, she’s trying to be active in the huddle, and that’s hard for somebody who used to lead by going and getting kills.”
And finally, Laube’s name was called. She doesn’t have the stats or the accolades that Hovey or Andrews do, but what she may lack on the stat sheet she makes up for with her leadership and selflessness.
Laube has 102 total sets played with 95 assists, 71 digs, and 17 service aces during her four seasons with the Falcons.
“Belle [Laube] has been a selfless leader for us for four years, and specifically this year,” stated DelPiombo, “Making sure she leads by example every day and making sure she’s putting the team first.”
The Falcons now look ahead to one final road trip in their final two games of the regular season against Buffalo on Nov. 13 and 14.
