Siena Heights junior Janel Ruhlman was among the 14 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) women's volleyball players named first-team all-conference when the league office announced the awards on Thursday afternoon. Ruhlman also earned a spot on the WHAC All-Academic team.

Freshman Aubrey Bates was named second-team All-WHAC as well as WHAC All-Freshmen. Claire Beaudoin, Alli Conly, Courtney Dolkowski, and Aline Marinelo joined Ruhlman on the WHAC All-Academic squad. 

Ruhlman led the Saints this season with 160 kills. She was fifth in the conference in kills and ninth in kills/set (2.7). She currently has 700 kills in her career with a season still left to play.

"Janel has been a rock for us on the right side," said SHU head coach Kim Berrington. "She's been our most consistent attacker all season. In addition, she's been a great leader both on and off the court.  With a young team, she really sets the standards."

Bates has had a phenomenal first season for the Saints. She is the pace-setter for the Saints with a team-high 558 assists. She also leads the team in service aces with 33 and digs with 187. Bates also ranks in the top five in most statistical categories amongst WHAC setters. She ranks 3rd in both assists/set (8.6) and assists (558). Her service ace total of 33 is sixth and her service aces per set mark of 0.5 is fourth.

"Aubrey has shown that she is really a complete player," stated coach Berrington. "She is among the leaders of every statistical category among setters in the WHAC.  As the quarterback of the team, she took the reins early and led our team. She has a very bright future as a Saint!"

For a complete list of all WHAC women's volleyball awards click here.