GREENWOOD, Ind. (11/28/22) – The latest round of academic honors was announced by the College Sports Communicators (CSC) last week, rewarding four members of the Franklin Pierce volleyball team for their efforts in the classroom. The recipients were named to the Academic All-District I First Team, and consisted of seniors Tessa Brandt (Foster, R.I.), Britney Loyd (Coppell, Texas) and Mariah Robles (West Covina, Calif.), as well as junior Morgan Schmutzler (Lockport, Ill.). Their selection automatically qualifies them for consideration to the Academic All-America ballot.

Eligibility for All-District selection states that a student-athlete must own a minimum 3.30 cumulative grade-point average or higher, be at least a sophomore in academic standing and be a starter or significant contributor athletically. The Academic All-District and All-America teams are voted on by sports information directors in the district and nation, respectively.

All four Raven honorees are receiving the All-District accolades for the first time in their collegiate careers.

Morgan Schmutzler, as the lone junior selectee, has come forward with a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA as a health science major. As the team's libero this season, Schmutzler was named the NE10 "Libero of the Week" on two separate occasions, while having totaled 435 digs across 23 matches played. From a conference standpoint, Schmutzler led the NE10 with a 5.30 kills per set average this season, while also ranking fourth overall in total digs.

Mariah Robles delivered on of her strongest seasons in her collegiate career in 2022, both on the court and in the classroom. Academically, Robles holds a 3.91 cumulative GPA, and was named to the NE10 Third Team for her performances in-game. This season, Robles has accrued a team-leading 213 kills (2.60 k/s), along with 17 assists, 185 digs and 66 total blocks at the net.

Senior outside hitter Tessa Brandt has also been a stand-out student for Ravens' volleyball, with a 3.94 GPA from the classroom as an environmental studies major. On the court, Brandt delivered 200 kills (2.50 k/s) this season, with a team second-best 235 digs defensively. Along with Brandt, senior outside hitter Britney Loyd also made the cut as a First Team honoree, finishing the fall with a 3.80 GPA. Loyd appeared in 17 matches for the Ravens this fall, started collecting 60 kills (1.50 k/s) and 49 digs. five goals and eight assists.

Academic All-America teams for Volleyball will be announced on Wednesday, December 21^st