As a conference player of the year, stepping up in big moments for your team is expected.
And Hillsdale College junior Karoline Shelton lived up to those expectations and then some during the G-MAC Tournament last week, helping lead the Chargers to a fourth-straight tournament crown.
Shelton was named G-MAC Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season, and the fourth time in her career, for her stellar performance in the tournament.
The junior from Shawnee, Kansas finished with double-doubles and led Hillsdale in kills in all three matches the Chargers played on the way to the title, putting up 15 kills and 12 digs in a three-set sweep of Ursuline on Tuesday, and playing a decisive role in the championship match victory over Tiffin in four sets on Saturday, posting 19 kills and 18 digs.
Her best match came in Hillsdale's toughest test, a nail-biting five set win over Cedarville in the semifinal. Shelton posted a career-high 22 kills and 16 digs to lead the way past the Yellow Jackets, getting a crucial kill with the fifth set tied at 13-all to set up match point and help the Chargers keep their undefeated streak in G-MAC Tournament matches intact.
Earlier in the week, Shelton was named the 2021 G-MAC Player of the Year, and her tournament run proved why she was a wise choice, as her all-around game and skill as both and offensive and defensive player were huge assets for the Chargers throughout the spring 2021 campaign. She finished the season second in the G-MAC in kills per set (3.80), ninth in hitting percentage (.308), and second in points per set (4.36), and her 3.55 digs per set were just outside the top 10 as well.
Shelton will return along with all of Hillsdale's lineup in the Fall of 2021 as the Chargers chase a fifth straight G-MAC title and look for a deep NCAA Tournament run. First, however, the Chargers will look to compete in the AVCA National Invitational in mid-April against top teams from across the country in a potential preview of the NCAA Tourney in the fall.