Four Rockhurst University women's volleyball players received postseason recognition from the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Wednesday (Nov. 11) night, highlighted by First Team All-GLVC selections Alyssa McDonald and Delaney Hope. Ali Olson and Molly Trachta earned Second Team All-GLVC honors, while Bailey Donnelly was named the Hawks' GLVC James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Award honoree.
The postseason accolades follow a successful regular season for Rockhurst, which finished 11-2 in conference play to claim a share of the GLVC Regular Season Championship for the first time since 2021. The Hawks also completed a perfect 10-0 record at Mason-Halpin Field House, marking their first undefeated home season since 2019 under head coach Trent Jones.
Senior right-side hitter Alyssa McDonald earned First Team All-GLVC honors after leading Rockhurst with 263 kills in 24 matches. The Overland Park, Kansas, native posted a .293 hitting percentage on 639 attempts while adding 52 total blocks. McDonald ranked eighth in the GLVC in kills per set and ninth in total points with 296.5, establishing herself as one of the conference's top offensive threats. She reached double figures in kills 16 times during the regular season and was named the GLVC Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 28. McDonald also earned Midwest Region Crossover All-Tournament honors after totaling 45 kills across three victories, helping Rockhurst finish undefeated at the event.
Junior middle hitter Delaney Hope joined McDonald on the All-GLVC First Team following an outstanding offensive season. The Nevada, Missouri, native totaled 245 kills and 92 blocks in 27 matches while posting a team-leading .434 hitting percentage. Hope led the GLVC in hitting percentage, establishing herself as one of the conference's most efficient attackers. Her consistency at the net played a major role in Rockhurst's success throughout conference play, providing the Hawks with a reliable offensive presence. Hope closed the regular season by earning GLVC Offensive Player of the Week honors on Nov. 9 after helping Rockhurst secure a share of the conference championship.
Senior middle hitter Ali Olson received Second Team All-GLVC recognition after another impressive season at the net. The Mission, Kansas, native recorded 208 kills, 101 total blocks and a .430 hitting percentage across 27 matches. Olson ranked second in the GLVC in hitting percentage, giving Rockhurst the conference's top two players in that category alongside Hope. She also ranked sixth in the league in blocks per set at 0.96, demonstrating her impact on both sides of the net. Olson's defensive presence was instrumental in the Hawks' success, particularly during their championship-clinching stretch. She earned GLVC Defensive Player of the Week honors on Nov. 9, completing a sweep of the conference's weekly offensive and defensive awards for Rockhurst.
Senior setter Molly Trachta joined Olson on the All-GLVC Second Team after directing the Hawks' offense throughout the regular season. The Johnston, Iowa, native finished with 631 assists, 205 digs and 37 service aces in 27 matches. Trachta ranked 10th in the GLVC in assists per set, helping guide a Rockhurst offense that featured the conference's top two hitters in hitting percentage. Her contributions extended beyond setting, as she provided consistent defensive support and a strong presence from the service line. Trachta's ability to distribute the ball and create scoring opportunities played an important role in Rockhurst's 11-2 conference record and share of the GLVC Regular Season Championship.
Senior defensive specialist/libero Bailey Donnelly was named Rockhurst's GLVC James R. Spalding Sportsmanship Award honoree, recognizing her commitment to sportsmanship and the values of collegiate athletics. The Fort Worth, Texas, native appeared in 25 matches during the regular season, totaling 158 digs and 22 service aces. Donnelly provided valuable depth in the Hawks' back row and contributed to the team's defensive consistency throughout the season. Her leadership and dedication helped Rockhurst complete an undefeated 10-0 home campaign and capture its first share of the GLVC Regular Season Championship since 2021.
Rockhurst now turns its attention to the GLVC Women's Volleyball Championship, scheduled for Nov. 12-14 in Williamsville, Illinois, as the Hawks look to build on their regular-season success.
