Brockport Women’s Volleyball first year OH/OPP Luba Butcher was named the Empire 8 Women’s Volleyball Rookie of the Week for the second time this season following a dominant week of wins, sweeping SUNY Geneseo, Utica University, and SUNY Poly 3-0. The first year accumulated a total of 31 kills, 23 digs, 7 total blocks, and two service aces, all while averaging 4.22 points per set. In a three-set win over SUNY Geneseo, Butcher had 12 kills and 11 digs, and hit .333 with 11 kills in a three-set sweep over SUNY Poly.
Luba currently leads the Golden Eagles in total points while being in the top three of sets played, matches played, points won per set, kills, and total attacks.
“I was really excited to receive this award because there is so much talent in the Empire 8,” Butcher said. “As a freshman adjusting to college-level play, it is a huge transition. I’m really thankful for my teammates and coaches for helping me improve and grow.”
Butcher believes in maintaining consistency with her mindset while balancing competitiveness and enjoying the moment.
“My mindset through every game is to stay competitive while still having fun,” Butcher said. “I believe I play my best when I’m relaxed and not stressing out. My team really focuses on playing together as one and for each other. It really helps us know that we’re not in it alone.”
While reflecting on an individually strong week for herself, Butcher reflects on the team rallies as a significant impact on the team’s dominant week. Her increased trust in herself has helped her tremendously grow as an athlete.
“Individually, I’ve definitely become more confident on the court, which is definitely playing a huge factor in my playing style,” Butcher said. “As a team, we’ve really been growing together and building stronger connections every match. The moments that always stick out to me are the rallies with all the hustle plays, big kills, and the energy we bring. I think our Geneseo game really showed that.”
Butcher believes that being awarded the Rookie of the Week award will encourage her to continue her consistency through her freshman campaign, which will help her achieve her personal and team goals.
“I think it just reminds me to keep playing the game I know and being myself on the court,” Butcher said. “My main goal for this season would definitely be to keep improving the consistency of my play, especially with hitting and serving. As a team, one of our biggest goals is playing for each other, and I believe we’ve done that, and it’ll help us finish the season even stronger.
Following the 3-0 route of SUNY Poly on October 18th, it was announced that Brockport Volleyball had clinched its 11th consecutive spot in the post-season and second consecutive trip to the Empire 8 conference tournament in two years.
Butcher’s initial reaction shows her raw excitement and recognizes the hard work it took her team to accomplish this feat.
“When I found out we clinched a spot in the postseason, I was very proud of the team’s hard work”, Butcher said. “We’ve been really determined, and it’s awesome to see all that work pay off. I know as a team we’re so hyped to keep moving forward and playing our best volleyball.”
Brockport Volleyball will close out its regular season hosting a pair of Empire 8matchups this week. Russell Sage College will travel to face the Golden Eagles Halloween night this Friday, October 31st, for Brockport’s Senior Day at 6 pm.
Hartwick College will also travel to the Jim and John Vlogianitis Gymnasium to face Brockport on Saturday, November 1st for the final matchup of the season. The Empire 8 Conference Tournament will begin Saturday, November 8th.
