By Steven M. Glassman
Director of Sports Information
October 8, 2018
JENKINTOWN, PA—Tuesday, October 9 will be the final regular season match for five Manor College (1-14 Overall, 1-10 Region XIX Division III, 1-12 EPAC) sophomore women's volleyball players, as the Blue Jays travel to play the Community College of Philadelphia Colonials (0-15, 0-11, 0-11) at 7:00 p.m.
The five players are as follows: Maryam Abdulmatin (Philadelphia, PA/Friere Charter), Samantha Diaz (Philadelphia, PA/Fels), Kedliany Ramirez-Rodriguez (Philadelphia, PA/Frankford), Pricilla Vega (Philadelphia, PA/Olney), and Tyanna Williams (Philadelphia, PA/Saul).
Manor College second-year Head Coach Mark Adami on this year's Women's Volleyball sophomore class: "Without these five wonderful women, the Manor [Women's] Volleyball program would not be here today. Two years ago, [women's] volleyball dropped as a varsity sport due to a lack of players. It is through their dedication and commitment to Manor and the sport of volleyball that we have a renewal of the program and it continues to grow. We cannot thank them enough and wish them well in their future endeavors."
Abdulmatin has played in all 15 matches (11 starts) and 44 of the 47 sets played. She is among team leaders in kills (26). Abdulmatin also received the 2017-2018 Brian Barry Award for Women's Volleyball. Adami on Abdulmatin: "Received the Sportsmanship Award in her freshman year. Always with a smile on her face and a joy to be around."
Diaz has also played in all 15 matches (14 starts). She leads the Blue Jays in kills (53), total attacks (201), service aces (39), digs (84), and points (93.0). Her 0.85 service aces per set is 45th in NJCAA Division III (as of October 8). Diaz is tied for second in sets played (46). She received the 2017 Manor College Women's Volleyball Coaches Award. Adami on Diaz: "Received the Coaches Award in her freshman year. Showed amazing leadership abilities as Team Captian in her freshman and sophomore years. The best team captain I have ever had in my many years of coaching. Great team leader on and off the court. The glue that holds this team together."
Ramirez-Rodriguez has played 14 matches (all starts) and 45 sets. She leads the Blue Jays in assists (123) and hitting percentage. Ramirez-Rodriguez is second in kills (37), and among team leaders in total attacks (133), digs (50), and points (52.0). Adami on Ramirez-Rodriguez: "Was not a setter when she started playing at Manor, but, took on the position when asked without hesitation. Setting is not an easy position, but, she has shown great enthusiasm and the ability to accept the responsibility."
Vega has played in 13 matches and 39 sets. Adami on Vega: "Has worked very hard to improve her volleyball skills. Came to the team with little experience and soon became a starting player."
Williams has played in all 15 matches (13 starts) and 47 sets. She is among team leaders in total attacks (130) and points (42.0). Williams was named to the Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference (EPAC) Fall 2017 All-Academic Team. She also received the 2017 Manor College Women's Volleyball Most Improved Award. Adami on Williams: "Received the most improved award in her freshman year. I am very proud of her for making the Dean's List in her first semester while playing volleyball."