UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State’s Ava Falduto and Kennedy Martin were named to the CSC Academic All-District Women’s Volleyball Team on Tuesday. The award recognizes the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the court and in the classroom.
Falduto made the Academic All-District Team in her first year of eligibility. The finance major recently earned a spot on the Academic All-Big Ten Team. A sophomore defensive specialist, Falduto played in all 32 matches this season and has now played in all 69 matches over the first two seasons of her collegiate career. Falduto finished the season with 238 digs (1.98/set) and was third on the team with 28 aces.
Martin, an Academic All-American last season, picked up her second-career Academic All-District honor. A labor and human resources major, Martin excelled both academically and athletically in her first season at Penn State. The junior finished first in the Big Ten and second nationally in points/set (6.22) and kills/set (5.42). She set single-season program records during the 25-point rally scoring era (2008-present) in points (728), points/set, kills (634) and kills/set (5.42).
Martin was also selected as a finalist for Academic All-America consideration. The Academic All-America Team will be announced on Jan. 13.
Penn State put two players on the Academic All-District Team for the first time since Megan Hodge and Christa Harmotto both earned the honor in 2008.