The Middlebury volleyball program received a pair of academic laurels from the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA). The Panthers received the organization's team academic award and earned a spot on the honor roll.

The AVCA Team Academic Award honors teams from all three NCAA divisions, NAIA, junior colleges and high schools across the country. To be selected, programs must achieve a year-long grade point average (GPA) of 3.30 or higher on a 4.0 scale, or 4.1 or higher on a 5.0 scale. Middlebury resides on an elite list of five Division III programs to receive the honor in 20 consecutive seasons, joining Central (Iowa) with 26, Nebraska Wesleyan at 22, Bethel (Minn.) with 21 and St. Catherine (Minn.) at 20.

Additionally, the navy and white locked down the team honor roll distinction, awarded to the top 20 percent of team GPAs nationally by division. Middlebury was one of four NESCAC institutions recognized, earning the honor for the eighth time.

The Panthers tallied 13 victories last fall and advanced to the NESCAC Quarterfinals.