HAMILTON – Colgate freshman libero Elena Simpson was named Patriot League Molton Rookie of the Week on Monday, league officials announced.
 
A native of London, Ontario, Simpson averaged 4.15 digs, 1.00 assists and 0.54 service aces per set in helping the Raiders capture the Otto Invitational at Syracuse last weekend.
 
"Elena had a terrific weekend at Syracuse," said Colgate Head Coach Ryan Baker. "She is an extremely steady player who is showing great recovery, which is very important in her position.  I think she still has a lot of room for growth, which is most exciting."
 
Simpson opened the Otto Invitational with 15 digs in Colgate's 3-1 victory over rival Cornell before notching 14 digs and two service aces in a 3-2, come-from-behind triumph against host Syracuse that served as the program's first victory over the Orange since the 1995 season.
 
Simpson saved her best performance of the tournament for the Raiders final match, tallying season-highs of 24 digs and five service aces in a 3-1 decision against Albany.
 
For the season, Simpson is averaging 3.56 digs per set, ranking her seventh among all players and tops among rookies in the Patriot League.
 
Colgate (6-4) begins conference play this weekend with matches at Holy Cross (Sept. 26) and Army (Sept. 27).