presented the awards, which are based on academic achievement, athletic contribution, Christian commitment, leadership, campus involvement and service, as the culmination of the evening.

Richter, a major with a 3.64 GPA, was a four-year pitcher for the baseball team and plans to work in a sales or marketing position.�� He was consistently on the Old Dominion Athletic Conference All-Academic Team and 91����Ƶ’s Dean’s List.�� Besides baseball, his campus life was filled with leadership on , 91����Ƶ Royals Society and the .�� He also volunteered at numerous places off campus.

“You are not an athlete just when you’re in season – you’re an athlete year round,” Richter explained in how he balanced his demanding schedule at 91����Ƶ.�� “Baseball provided me with the discipline I needed to enjoy a busy, but incredibly rewarding college career.”

Young, a captain with the women’s basketball team, was also on the Dean’s List and ODAC All-Academic Team, holding a 3.71 GPA with a major in and minor in .�� She was a four-year member of Royals Society, helping with prospective students, as well as being a member of the .�� Young was also a youth leader at her church and volunteered with a local food bank and the fall back-to-school backpack drive.

“Being a student-athlete has taught me to be mentally and physically strong in seemingly impossible situations,” said Young, who suffered a long-lasting shoulder injury her freshman season.�� “God used basketball as the framework that I could grow in my relationship with Him, share my talents with others, and now go on to pursue a career in physical therapy.”

The Athletic Department staff also voted for Athlete of the Year winners.�� Mitchell Leap (Harrisonburg, VA/Eastern Mennonite) claimed the men’s honor with Bianca Ygarza (Conestoga, PA/Penn Manor) taking the women’s.

Leap led the men’s soccer team in scoring for the fourth straight season, netting ten goals, which was also third-best in the conference.�� He had five game-winning goals and was named All-ODAC First Team.�� Leap graduates fourth in 91����Ƶ history with 35 career goals and fifth with 80 career points.�� Ygarza was a dynamic presence as a power forward for the basketball women, earning a spot on the All-ODAC First Team as a sophomore.�� She led 91����Ƶ with 14.5 points and 7.3 rebounds per game and was second in the ODAC in field goal percentage and free throws.

Also at the banquet, Newcomer of the Year Awards were given to Jenessa Derstine (Harleysville, PA/Christopher Dock) in field hockey and Justin Rodriguez (Miramar, FL/Pace) in baseball.

Derstine, an attacker for the Lady Royals, led the team with 29 points this year.�� She scored ten goals and assisted on nine others.�� Her speed helped ignite 91����Ƶ’s offense and landed her on the All-ODAC Third Team.�� Rodriguez batted .374 with 28 runs and team highs of four homeruns and 41 RBIs.�� His RBI total was third in the ODAC during the regular season and the third baseman was named All-ODAC Second Team.

As part of the dinner and banquet, four seniors gave short reflections on their time playing a sport at Eastern Mennonite: Valerie Landis (Quakertown, PA/Quakertown) from field hockey, Justin King (Lititz, PA/Warwick) from baseball, Pete Nelson (Harrisonburg, VA/Christopher Dock) from track and cross country, and Brent Yoder (Sarasota, FL/Sarasota Christian) from soccer.

King uniquely talked about playing four years of a collegiate sport even though the experience was not living up to the ideas he had beforehand.

“I have learned a lesson I would have not chosen to learn on my own, because it was painful,” said King.�� “Through the ups and downs, the wins and losses, I have had to rely on God as my source of hope and strength when I was weak, discouraged, or overwhelmed.�� The Apostle Paul says it best in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, ‘Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.�� But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’’”

Landis was the lone senior on the field hockey team this fall and stepped into a leadership role which was not natural to her.�� She said that will help her as she leaves college.

“I recognize that I am going to be a new member of a completely different team after graduation,” Landis explained. ��“What I have learned over the past four years is that I can’t let my age or lack of experience hinder me from being responsible or taking initiative. ��God has granted each of us the experience of being part of a team and it is my hope that we are able to leave this community as an athlete and a graduate and apply those interpersonal skills learned on either the court or field and apply them in the next stage of life, appropriately and meaningfully.”

Dr. Ronald Stoltzfus, Faculty Athletic Representative, and Dr. Nancy Heisey, Undergraduate Academic Dean, presented the Academic Achievement Awards to each team’s individual with the highest GPA.�� Those awards went to: Richter and Brad Billings (Selinsgrove, PA/Selinsgrove) in baseball, Jennifer Blankenship (Bassett, VA/Bassett) in women’s basketball, Owen Longacre (Telford, PA/Christopher Dock) in men’s basketball, Nels Akerson (Harrisonburg, VA/Eastern Mennonite) in men’s cross country, Alli Eanes (Harrisonburg, VA/Westmont Hilltop) in women’s cross country and track, Jenna Longenecker (Lancaster, PA/Conestoga Valley) in field hockey, Bryce Shank (Harrisonburg, VA/Eastern Mennonite) in men’s soccer, Erica Detweiler (Hickory, NC/Fred T. Foard) in women’s soccer, Aaron Sloan (Ooltewah, TN/McCallie School) in men’s track, and Kendall Garber (Lancaster, PA/Lancaster Mennonite) in men’s volleyball.

The evening included a special mention of , a senior student worker with the athletic events staff, who had passed away from cancer just a week prior to the banquet.

91����Ƶ 3, Philadelphia Biblical 2
The match with the Crimson Eagles was one filled with wild momentum swings.

PBU jumped to a 9-2 lead in game one before the Royals tied the score at 15-15.�� The men squirted ahead and took a 25-23 win on a kill from (Columbus, OH/Worthington Kilbourne).

91����Ƶ fell behind early in sets two and three, taking identical 25-20 losses.

With their backs against the wall, the Royals responded, blowing open an early lead to a big 25-11 win in game four to force a decisive fifth set.

The men made a couple of comebacks in game five, including three straight blocks to cap a late 4-0 run which put them on top 14-13.�� PBU scored a point to tie things up, but Eastern Mennonite had the final say with two points for the 16-14 decision.

As a team, the Royals hit .302, landed nine service aces and made 13 team blocks.

(Hollywood, FL/South Broward) led all players with 18 kills along with two aces.�� (Chesapeake, VA/Hickory) had 13 kills to go with a solo stuff and five assists.�� He also had four aces.�� (Lancaster, PA/Lancaster Mennonite) landed 12 kills.

Barry finished with 48 set assists and two service aces.�� (Glen Allen, VA/Deep Run) was a huge presence from the middle of the net with nine kills, two solo blocks and six assists.

Libero (Virginia Beach, VA/Frank W. Cox) had a match high 18 digs.

What is your major? What do you hope to do?

I have a double major of Mathematics/Computer Science.�� I am hoping to find a job around Lancaster doing computer repair, technical support or something similar.

��

Why computer science and mathematics at 91����Ƶ?

As high school went on, learning about computers and the programming behind how they work became more and more of an interest of mine.�� Math, despite being a good major to have if I choose to go to graduate school in the future, has always been my favorite subject ever since early elementary school.

��

What originally made you choose to come to 91����Ƶ?

The match of being a Mennonite school and having a men’s volleyball program was a major drawing factor.�� The professors impressed me and I just loved the feel of the campus in general.

��

How have you been able to manage your time in the spring with volleyball and course work?

Learning to do homework on the road to away games and while staying at hotels, and using the small windows of time during the day to do school work are ways I’ve kept up with the course load.�� In some ways, volleyball is like my “break” from homework in the same way other students would take a break to exercise, hang out with friends, or watch a TV show.�� My break is just scheduled for me.

��

What has it been like being a student-athlete while at 91����Ƶ?

It’s been a lot of fun being a student-athlete.�� On a few occasions during my first couple of years here, I would have people working in the cafeteria congratulate me on a game and ask when the next one would be.�� It’s an honor to have people on campus come watch our team play a sport we love.�� Missing class every now and then for trips can be a pain, but the professors are willing to help make sure you stay on top of your work.�� Being able to play volleyball competitively while studying to prepare for my future is a privilege I have thoroughly enjoyed.

��

What are one or two things you have learned from playing your sport here that you will take with you when you leave?

The whole experience of coming together as a team to accomplish a goal is definitely one thing that will stay with me.�� Playing volleyball here has also taught me to always work hard, even when things aren’t going my way.

��

What changes have there been for you after having the same coach for three years and now a new coach for your senior season?

I feel like it’s been relatively minor changes.�� Coach King and our assistant Dominick Porter have helped out with some practices in the past.�� King was actually my assistant coach in high school for a year which decreased the adjustment period for me.�� It took a little time to get used to how practice is run, but the transition has been pretty smooth in my opinion.�� Unrelated to the coaching change, it’s been a change playing a new position this year.

Eastern Mennonite 3, Philadelphia Biblical 0
The men snapped a three-match skid by beating PBU to close the day.�� 91����Ƶ had a late 6-0 run to break open a close game one and win, 25-19.�� The Crimson Eagles led 24-22 in game two, but the Royals rattled off three straight and stole a 27-25 decision.�� Eastern Mennonite held a small edge much of game three and finished off with a 25-22 win.

Sophomore (Highland Springs, VA/Highland Spring)��led at the net, pounding out 19 kills, a career best for him in a three-game set.���� (Glen Allen, VA/Deep Run) landed eight kills and (Chesapeake, VA/Hickory) added seven.�� (Columbus, OH/Worthington Kilbourne) set up 31 assists as the men rebounded to a .295 attack percentage.

Prock had a whopping 14 digs in the sweep.�� Middles Grove and (Westerville, OH/Bishop Watterson) each had two solo blocks and two block assists.�� Knight had three assists, and he and (Lancaster, PA/Lancaster Mennonite) each had a pair of service aces.

The Royals stand at 7-8 on the season, including 1-3 in the CVC.�� They are one of three teams in the CVC East with one win.�� 91����Ƶ has a week off before a tri-match at Philadelphia Biblical on Saturday, March 10.�� The men have a non-conference date with PBU to open the day and then play Ramapo.

Sunday, Feb. 5

Nazareth 3, 91����Ƶ 0

The men opened their final day of play at the invite against No. 5 Nazareth. The Golden Flyers, also the 2011 National Champions, had already won their first three matches at the invite, and they made it four in a row with a sweep of 91����Ƶ.

Game scores were 25-18, 25-17 and 25-11.

Kendall Garber (Lancaster, PA/Lancaster Mennonite) and John Grove (Glen Allen, VA/Deep Run) co-led Eastern Mennonite with six kills apiece. Garber also had a team high five digs. John Barry (Columbus, OH/Worthington Kilbourne) had 19 assists.

After a dominant defensive showing at the net in Saturday’s matches, the Royals had just one triple block against Nazareth.

Elmira 3, 91����Ƶ 2

The Soaring Eagles were receiving votes in this week’s AVCA poll, but were just outside of the top 15. Eastern Mennonite went back-and-forth with Elmira, but came up on the short end.

Elmira won the first set 25-16, but the Royals came back with some good serving to win set two, 25-18. The trend continued, as the teams split three and four, 25-14 to Elmira and 25-19 to 91����Ƶ.

The Royals started with a slight edge in the decisive fifth set. But the Soaring Eagles tacked in a couple of late points to sneak out a 15-13 closer.

Chris Moise (Hollywood, FL/South Broward) led a balanced attack for the men with 14 kills. Greg Knight (Chesapeake, VA/Hickory) had nine kills and three service aces. Garber and Grove each added eight kills while Barry put down seven of his own from the setter’s spot. He also had 35 assists.

Kyle Storc (Westerville, OH/Bishop Watterson) had two solo blocks and two block assists. Barry had nine digs and Moise added seven.

Eastern Mennonite, 3-4 on the season, now returns to Yoder Arena, where the Royals will host their next five matches. Those five are also the only home matches of the season.

Saturday, Feb. 4

91����Ƶ 3, Medaille 0

Eastern Mennonite opened up with Medaille, which entered as the No. 10 team in the AVCA National Poll and had already won its first three matches at the invite. The Royals jumped ahead early and took game one by a 25-20 score. The Mavericks regrouped, but 91����Ƶ still had the leg up in a pair of tight 27-25 wins to close the match.

John Grove (Glen Allen, VA/Deep Run) was unstoppable out of the middle, hammering a career high 11 kills on just 14 attacks. His attack percentage of .786 was just shy of the school record of .833.

Chris Moise (Hollywood, FL/South Broward) added 10 kills and Kendall Garber (Lancaster, PA/Lancaster Mennonite) put down nine kills on 18 attempts. John Barry (Columbus, OH/Worthington Kilbourne) had a great time setting up the offense as he racked up 37 assists in the sweep.

The Royals also dominated the net defensively, with 12.5 blocks. Kyle Storc (Westerville, OH/Bishop Watterson) had six block assists and one solo stuff. Greg Knight (Chesapeake, VA/Hickory) added two of each, as well as two service aces.

Libero Nolan Prock (Virginia Beach, VA/Frank W. Cox) picked up 13 digs.

91����Ƶ 3, Fontbonne 0

The Royals turned around and took on Fontbonne from the CVC West. The Griffins proved no match for the men, as 91����Ƶ ran away with a sweep. Game scores were: 25-21, 25-15 and 25-16.

Eastern Mennonite hit .462 as a team with just four errors, including .524 in set two and .765 in the final set.

Everyone got involved, led by Grove’s seven swats. George Greene (Highland Springs, VA/Highland Springs) had kills on all six of his attempts. Garber also had six, while Moise and Knight each landed five. Barry had 29 assists.

Prock again led in the back row, digging up 10 Fontbonne spikes. Garber added eight.

The Royals also had six total blocks, led by Storc’s five block assists.

91����Ƶ hosts a tri-match on Saturday, Feb. 11, against Pfeiffer and Philadelphia Biblical University. The men take on Pfeiffer at 10:30am and PBU at 7:00pm. The two other teams play each other early in the afternoon, with the 91����Ƶ women’s basketball team also playing a home game at 4:00pm.

Faced with an upstart team trying for its second big win in a row, the Eastern Mennonite men’s volleyball team responded to the challenge. For a time, the Royals played their best volleyball of the year before gritting out the finish in a 3-1 win over NECVA Metro foe Stevenson.

The Mustangs had never beaten 91����Ƶ coming in, entering with a 0-16 mark against the Royals. But with an infusion of young talent this year, Stevenson entered the match 7-0 overall and riding a 3-1 win over No. 15 Ramapo.

Eastern Mennonite quickly took the momentum on the home court, streaking to a 9-2 lead with some big attacks and a pair of service aces.

Stevenson called a timeout and regrouped, but game one was never in doubt as the Royals won 25-18.

Game two looked to be the same, as the men ran out to a 23-12 edge. But after trading points, 91����Ƶ got sloppy and gave up a 5-0 run. The Royals still won 25-18, but the momentum turned for game three.

Stevenson jumped ahead 7-3. Then with an 11-8 lead, the Mustangs effectively scored two points for every one of 91����Ƶ’s to grab an easy 25-15 win and force a game four.

The visitors took an early lead again before the Royals went up 7-5. Stevenson then used a 5-0 run to jump back in the lead, 16-13.

Eastern Mennonite responded with a back-breaking run. The men scored four straight and took the lead on a Chris Moise (Hollywood, Fl./South Broward) kill. The Mustangs called a timeout but their next attack sailed just out of bounds. The Royals pushed the run to 7-0, taking a 20-16 edge and the wind out of Stevenson’s sails.

The Mustangs got back within two before 91����Ƶ closed things out on a 5-1 tear, winning 25-19.

Moise’s big swings led the way on the attack, as he dropped in a match high 18 kills. The Royals also had 12 service aces as a team, with Moise dropping in three. Greg Knight (Chesapeake, Va./Hickory) landed five aces.

Junior Nolan Prock (Virginia Beach, Va./Frank W. Cox) had nine kills, three aces and a match high 15 digs.

John Barry (Aaron Bridge, Oh./Worthington Kilbourne) had 37 assists and four block assists. Frankie Coto (Miami, Fl./Southwest Miami) also had four stuffs while libero Kendall Garber (Lancaster, Pa./Lancaster Mennonite) was good for 11 digs.

Austin Jacoby led Stevenson with 16 kills.

The win is the fourth straight for the Royals, as they are now 6-4 overall. More importantly, 91����Ƶ is 5-0 in NECVA Metro play and one of just two undefeated teams left in the seven-team division. The men play at Philadelphia Biblical, which is 1-0 in the Metro, this Saturday at 7:00pm.