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Volleyball Nabs Third League Rookie of the Week Honor
Natacha Cornaz sets new Eagle record in gaining league’s attention

November 5, 2001

Freshman Natacha Cornaz became the third Eagle to earn Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors this season.

WASHINGTON -- For the third time this season, the American volleyball team garnered the Patriot League’s Rookie of the Week honor, and this time the nod went to freshman Natacha Cornaz (Lausanne, Switzerland/Gymnase Auguste Piccard) who helped the Eagles clinch the league’s regular season title and top seed in the league tournament over the weekend.

The 5-10 middle blocker, who was ranked ninth nationally in service aces in last week’s rankings, set a new American record with 11 aces, along with five kills and four digs, in the Eagles’ 3-0 win at Lafayette on Friday.

Cornaz followed her record-breaking performance against the Leopards with a career-high 12 digs, seven kills and two service aces in American’s win at Lehigh, which also secured the Eagles with hosting responsibilities of the upcoming Patriot League Championship Nov. 17-18.

American is currently carrying a 16-match win streak along with its 21-2 overall record and perfect 13-0 mark in league play. The Eagles are ranked first in the nation in service aces, sixth in hitting percentage and seventh in winning percentage.

The Eagles are preparing to host a non-conference match against the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at Bender Arena, where American has been undefeated through 13-straight matches.

American University became a full member of the Patriot League on July 1 after competing in the Colonial Athletic Association since the 1985-86 academic year. The University, founded in 1893, fields a 19-sport NCAA Division I athletics program, featuring 10 women’s sports and nine for men.