Nov. 20, 2008

Bethesda, Md.--The Patriot League announced 2008 volleyball major awards at the Patriot League Tournament banquet on Thursday night. American took home four of the League's five major awards, including Patriot League Player of the Year. American senior Rubena Sukaj claimed the award for the third time in her career. Other winners from American included Ivana Cebakova, who was named Defensive Player of the Year, Christina Nash, who claimed Setter of the Year accolades, and Rebecca Heath, who picked up Rookie of the Year honors. Army's Alma Kovaci took home the final award, winning Coach of Year honors for the first time in her career.

Sukaj has been named Patriot League Player of the Year three consecutive years. The senior has been named First-Team All-Patriot League four straight years. She leads the Patriot League with 463 kills and ranks 17th in the nation with 4.23 kills per set. She has nine double-doubles this season, which ranks her second in the Patriot League. She was named Patriot League Player of the Week four times this season.

Cebakova claimed Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive year. The Eagles' defensive specialist ranks fourth in the Patriot League with 3.42 digs per set and leads the nation in aces per set.

Nash earned Patriot League Setter of the Year recognition for the second time in her career. She currently leads the Patriot League with 1,076 assists. She also has 35 aces, 109 kills, 174 digs and 71 blocks. She ranks in the top five in career assists in Patriot League history.

Heath was named Rookie of the Year after a freshman season in which she finished second on her team and ninth in the Patriot League with 296 kills. She has also tallied 29 aces, 164 digs and 18 blocks. Stepping into her team's lineup immediately, she has played in 103 of her squad's 106 sets this season.

Kovaci led Army to the program's most victories since 1993. She guided her squad to a 26-3 record and a 13-1 mark in League play, leaving her team tied atop the Patriot League standings.

The 2008 Patriot League Tournament will commence on Friday, Nov. 21 at American University's Bender Arena. No. 1 American will take on No. 4 Bucknell at 6 p.m. No. 2 Army and No. 3 Colgate will face off at 8 p.m. The winners of Friday's semifinal matchups will play for the Patriot League Tournament title on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. All three matches of the tournament will be streamed live through the Patriot League's All-Access package. For live coverage visit the Patriot League website and click on the All-Access logo on the front page.

Player of the Year Rubena Sukaj, American

Co-Defensive Player of the Year Ivana Cebakova, American

Setter of the Year Christina Nash, American

Rookie of the Year Rebecca Heath, American

Coach of the Year Alma Kovaci, Army