UCI’s Pestolesi earns top freshman honor in west

UC Irvine outside hitter Kari Pestolesi has been named the Division I West Region Freshman of the Year by the American Volleyball Coaches Assn.

Pestolesi, the first UCI women’s volleyball player to earn the honor, was also tabbed an honorable mention and is the lone freshman among 17 juniors and seniors to be selected in the region.

Pestolesi had a stellar freshman campaign, leading UC Irvine in kills (491) and service aces (40) and finishing second in digs (349) en route to grabbing Big West Freshman of the Year honors.

Pestolesi was one of five Anteaters to be named All-Big West this season, earning first-team honors as well as being named to the All-Freshman Team. She ended the regular season fifth in the conference with a 4.20 kill per game average and fired .34 service winners per game to sit seventh.

The standout’s efforts also etched her name into the UCI records as Pestolesi finished tied for fourth in season kills and 10th in aces. Pestolesi is the only freshman to own a top 10 spot in season kills. Pestolesi earned a Big West Player of the Week award and was an all-tournament choice at the Ruby’s Montana Invitational. She led the team with 19 double-double (kills/digs) matches and reached 20 or more kills in eight contests.

The Anteaters finished 21-11 overall and placed third in the Big West with an 11-5 mark.

— From staff reports