Union’s Raquel Kessler named First-Team All-Conference

Barbourville, Ky. – The Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) released its 2023 All-Conference Team and Awards on Wednesday.

Union's Raquel Kessler was named First-Team All-AAC. Kessler has tallied 361 kills this season, which ranks third in the conference. Kessler is averaging 3.37 kills per set, which ranks seventh in the AAC.

Kessler has tallied 78 total blocks this season, which is tied for fifth in the conference. She ranks seventh in the AAC in blocks per set with an average of 0.73.

The Jackson Center, Ohio, product was named First-Team All-AAC in 2022 as well. She tallied 113 total blocks in 2022, which ranked fourth in the conference. Kessler recorded 350 kills last season, which ranked ninth in the AAC.

In addition to Kessler being named First-Team All-AAC on Wednesday, it was announced that Lara Gomes De Castro, Jenna Grayson, Lauren Horn, Maddy McGaughey, McKenna Pickett, and Jessica Rodrigues were named to the AAC's All-Academic Team. McGaughey was also named to Union's Champions of Character Team.

Up next for the Bulldogs is the AAC Tournament as No. 10 seeded Union will face No. 7 Bluefield on Thursday, Nov. 9, at 12:00 p.m. in the opening round.