NEW LONDON, Conn. – Coast Guard Academy freshman Noelle Tursky has been named the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) New England Division III Freshman of the Year as well as an honorable mention All-region selection.

Tursky had a fantastic freshman season as she led the Bears with 53 service aces and she was second on the team in three categories recording 241 kills, 552 assists and 30 blocks while she finished fourth on the team with 232 digs.

She becomes the first Coast Guard player to earn New England Freshman of the Year honors since Kelsey DePorto won it in 2010.

Tursky is the first Coast Guard player to earn AVCA All-region honor since Angelou Dunton earned honorable mention honors in 2016.

Coast Guard registered its first 20 win season since 2013 as team finished 20-10 overall and 6-4 in conference play. The Bears advanced to the NEWMAC tournament semifinals for the first time since 2014.