NEWS FILE PHOTO SEAN ROONEY - Medicine Hat Rattlers libero Shaya Suchy comes up with a dig against Ambrose University Friday, Oct. 18, 2019 at Medicine Hat College. Suchy recently earned the Rattler Award as well as the Player's Choice Award, which was announced Thursday through the team's social media.
The Medicine Hat Rattlers revealed their annual volleyball award recipients via social media on Thursday and Friday, continuing the new trend of online accolades as a result of social distancing measures brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women’s libero Shaya Suchy became the first athlete of the year to take home two of her team’s three awards, earning both the nod for players’ choice and the Rattler Award.
The graduating Guernsey, Sask. product became the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference’s all-time digs leader back in November when she eclipsed Brooke Peterson’s mark of 1,244 in a win over the rival Lethbridge Kodiaks. Suchy finished the season with 408 digs – another ACAC best – bringing her record total to 1,469.
Middle Dryden Gris was named most improved after averaging 1.30 kills, 0.65 digs and 0.49 blocks per set, as well as 29 service aces over 24 matches this season.
The Rattlers closed out the regular season with an 8-16 record before falling short of the medal round as hosts of the ACAC championship in February.
On the men’s side, middle Dexter Mackie took the players’ choice honours after averaging 1.54 and 0.52 blocks per set over 24 matches this season.
Outside hitter Nathan Chernik got the nod for most improved with an average of 1.25 digs and 0.98 kills per set, while middle Justice Lesuk earned the Rattlers’ Brett Bell Award after putting up 0.67 kills, 0.47 blocks and 0.43 digs per set over the course of the year.
The Rattlers closed out their campaign – a rebuilding year – with a 6-18 record.
Medicine Hat College will announce their annual basketball award winners via social media this weekend, starting with the women on Saturday evening.
