Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University freshman Laura Masciullo was named the Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Year, it was announced today by the conference office. 

In addition to one of the conference's major awards, Masciullo also earned All-CAA First Team honors and CAA All-Rookie accolades. Sophomore Michela Rucli was an All-CAA Second Team selection, while senior Sophia Black earned CAA All-Academic Team honors to round out the Pride's honorees. 

Masciullo, a right side hitter, is Hofstra's third CAA Rookie of the Year, joining Elizabeth Curley (2003) and Shellane Ogoshi (2004). 

The awards were presented on the eve of the conference championship, which begins at UNCW on Friday afternoon. 

Masciullo enjoyed a fantastic rookie season as the La Spezia, Italy, native led the Pride in kills (374), kills per set (3.37) and service aces (30) while also adding 176 digs and 41 blocks. A three-time CAA Rookie of the Week selection, Masciullo also garnered CAA Offensive Player of the Week honors on one occasion. Her 3.37 kills per set average ranks third in the CAA heading into the CAA Championship and she is the only freshman to rank in the top 10. She also ranked eighth in the league in service aces with an average of 0.27 per set.

Rucli, a Remanzacco, Italy, native earned her first All-CAA postseason honor after a season that saw the second-year player post 257 kills, a league and team-best .354 hitting percentage and a team-high 117 blocks. In addition to her league-best hitting percentage, the middle blocker ranked sixth in the conference in blocks at 1.04 per set. 

Black, a dual major in fine arts and education, earned a spot on the CAA All-Academic team after posting a 3.68 grade point average. The Seattle, Washington, native has notched 263 digs, which ranks second on the Pride. 

Hofstra will open play in the tournament on Friday at 4 p.m. when it faces Towson in the quarterfinals.