ST. PAUL, Minn. – Four members of the University of Minnesota Morris volleyball team received Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) All-Conference honors, highlighted by Sella Fleming being named UMAC Rookie of the Year, as announced Thursday, Nov. 12.
 
Fleming made an immediate impact in her first season with the Cougars. The Hawley, Minn., native ranked first in the UMAC in assists with 784, 300 more than the second-place finisher. Fleming's dominant performance earned her UMAC Rookie of the Year and UMAC All-Conference First Team honors. She was named UMAC Athlete of the Week eight of the 10 weeks during the regular season. Fleming also made an impact defensively, tallying 276 digs. After her first season, she recorded 73 kills, 17 service aces and 16 blocks.
 
"This pair of honors she has received is emblematic not only of her level of skill, but her ability to make a high level of contribution in her first year," said head coach Joe Sussenguth. "She's had a short amount of time to navigate the collegiate level, so what she's been able to accomplish is representative of the extra time she's put in to learn our offense and our hitters, while elevating her skill level with the extra time she's put in on the court."
 
Ella Johnson earned All-Conference First Team honors for the first time in her collegiate career. The junior outside hitter totaled 223 kills while hitting .178 on the season, ranking her sixth in the conference. Johnson started all 25 matches and played in all 90 sets. She also added 334 digs, 41 assists, 28 blocks and 22 service aces.
 
"Ella has made impactful strides since her first year but has accelerated her level play in all aspects this season," said Sussenguth. "Her defensive contributions in the back row have been complimentary of what she's been able to do as an attacker, passer and server.  She's very driven to contribute at a high level each time she steps on the court."
 
In her first season with the Cougars, Natalie Wahl earned All-Conference First Team honors. The sophomore led the team offensively with 248 kills, the fifth-most in the conference. Wahl also had a team-high 28 service aces. The Walnut Grove, Minn., native made 25 starts and appeared in all 90 sets. Wahl contributed 243 digs, 60 assists and 23 blocks.
 
"For Natalie to make an immediate impact on our program in her first season with us is outstanding," stated Sussenguth. "All phases of her game have been consistently performed at a high level throughout the season.  The renewed passion she has for volleyball has elevated her contributions to our team."
 
Senior Tori Scheler was honored with UMAC All-Conference Honorable Mention for the second time in her collegiate career. The middle hitter led the team in hitting percentage at .276, recording 141 kills. Scheler also made an impact at the net with 67 blocks, the third-most in the conference. She finished her career ranked ninth all-time at Minnesota Morris with 272 blocks. Scheler also added 32 digs and three assists.
 
 "It's great to see Tori wrap up her career with this honor," said Sussenguth. "There are always great middle blockers in this conference, and she's consistently been among them over the past four years. She has a high level of understanding how her position should be played and how to effectively contribute both offensively and defensively."
 
Rachel Bopp was named to the UMAC All-Sportsmanship Team.
 
"Rachel's contributions to our team have been exceptional on the court, especially playing a position that she hasn't prior to this season," stated Sussenguth. "Off the court she represents Cougar Volleyball in a highly positive way in all aspects."