ROCHESTER, NY – Sophomore libero Krystell Pappas (Owensboro, KY/Owensboro) of the Utica University volleyball team was named to the Empire 8 All-Tournament Team, as announced by the conference on Tuesday. 

Pappas was dominant on the defensive end for the Pioneers in the E8 tournament with a total of 35 digs across their two matches against Nazareth and Hartwick. Her defensive efforts propelled Utica over Nazareth in the first round as she recorded a monstrous 22 digs along with a kill and an assist in the win. While the Pioneers fell in the semifinals to Hartwick, Pappas was a star in the matchup as she once again led the Pioneers in digs with 13 and added two assists, one kill, and a serving ace of her own. 

The Pioneers defeated Nazareth in the first round 3-2 for their first ever playoff win before falling to Hartwick 3-0 in the semifinals. Overall, Utica finished the season with a program record of 17 wins and an overall record of 17-12.