ITHACA, N.Y. – Megan Mushovic was named the 2009 volleyball team MVP, while Erin McCarthy and Meagan Tatum have been named captains for the upcoming 2010 season, as was announced at the team's annual banquet on Saturday, April 24. The team also said goodbye to its three seniors, Megan Mushovic, Jessica Misse and Juliana Rogers.



A two-time team MVP, Mushovic leaves East Hill with her name written all over the Cornell and Ivy League record books. She finished her career as a four-time All-Ivy selection and set the conference record with 2,040 career digs. Mushovic finished the 2009 season ranked fifth in the conference with 4.86 digs per set and first in conference games only with 5.63. She reached double-digit digs in 21-of-25 matches, including a high of 35 at Dartmouth on Oct. 30. She also led the team in digs in all but four matches during the season. Her 428 digs on the season rank sixth all-time in Cornell history for single-season digs, giving her four of the top six spots on the list, including the school record of 598 in 2007.

The team's Most Improved Player award was given to junior Alessa Cekauskas, who saw a significant increase in playing time, seeing action in all but two matches on the year. She finished the 2009 season with 153 kills (2.15 per set), 81 digs and 15 blocks. She also hit .149 on the year for the Big Red.

Jessica Misse, who graduated from the School of Industrial and Labor Relation in December, was given the Pam Orsi Award, which is presented to the member of the program who best exemplifies the virtues of enthusiasm, teamwork and passion for the game. After playing as a freshman, Misse was sidelined by a knee injury the past three seasons before returning to the court in 2009. She led the team in hitting percentage (.227) and ranked fourth on the squad with 102 kills. A force at the net, she also ranked second on the team with 42 blocks.

McCarthy and Tatum were selected by their teammates to serve as captains for the upcoming season.

“We have a strong core of leaders returning and these two captains are a great pairing and balance for our leadership in 2010,” said head coach Sarah Bernson. “Their work ethic is extremely strong as they lead by example. They are committed to being good teammates and examples of the Big Red volleyball program.”

McCarthy has played a lot of volleyball for Cornell during her career. She has seen action in 165 sets, registering 2.38 kills per set, and has accumulated 299 career digs to go along with 48 total blocks and 29 service aces.

“Erin's focus and attention to detail has made her a dependable leader for the program,” said Benson. “She has been a contributor since she was a freshman and a reliable performer, as her statistics have continually improved while in the program. Erin was sidelined mid-Ivy Season with shoulder surgery, but maintained her involvement and leadership with the team.”

Tatum has played in 16 matches in each of her first two seasons at Cornell, averaging 2.16 kills per set. For her career, she has racked up 74 digs, 25 total blocks and 12 service aces.

“Meagan is a motivational and encouraging pillar of our team leadership,” added Bernson. “She is always involved and optimistic about her teammates and the program. Her ability to communicate with every personality is a key connecting point between the players and the coaching staff.”

The Big Red wrapped up its season with a 6-19 record overall and a mark of 3-11 in the Ivy League, good for sixth place in the conference standings.