CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (Nov. 14, 2014) - Freshman outside hitter/middle blocker Danielle Valenza (Hauppauge, N.Y.) of the LIU Post volleyball team has received the East Coast Conference's Rookie of the Year honor, it was announced Friday afternoon.

It marks the second time in as many seasons that a Pioneer was awarded the prestigious accolade. Former LIU Post standout Shelby McCool (Eugene, Ore.) earned the same recognition in 2013.

Valenza, a two-time ECC Rookie of the Week selection in 2014, slammed down the conference's third-most kills in the regular season with 322. That total was also tops amongst all freshmen in the league. In addition, the Hauppauge native tacked on 194 digs, 56 blocks and 15 service aces to her impressive rookie resume.

Meanwhile, junior middle hitter Melissa Hansen (Colorado Springs, Colo.) was selected to the All-East Coast Conference second-team.

Hansen led the green and gold's defensive unit at the net, as she rejected a team-leading 100 blocks, which placed second in the ECC. Plus, her 200 kills were second-best, only to Valenza, on the team.

For the complete release on the 2014 All-ECC Volleyball Team, please click here.