York University Sport & Recreation honoured a trio of graduating Lions women's volleyball student-athletes on Sunday afternoon (Feb. 8) before the team's final regular-season home game.
 
Recognized for their contributions to the program over the last several years were libero Jennifer Black, as well as middle blockers Brittney Hopley and Michelle Pierce.
 
Black (London, Ont.) is the team's captain this season and has been a tremendous asset to the Lions over the past five seasons. She has played in 72 matches at libero over her career and in 2012 finished second in the OUA in digs. She is also very involved in York's sport council and community service initiatives for the Lions.
 
Hopley (Thornhill, Ont.) has played two seasons for the Lions and has been a dominant middle blocker for the team. In her debut season last year she was the team MVP and earned OUA East all-star honours after finishing 15^th in OUA scoring. She has been even better this year, ranking sixth in conference scoring.
 
Pierce (Windsor, Ont.) has played three seasons for the Lions and has become one of the best middle blockers in the OUA. She earned the team MVP award in her first season and has been named an OUA East first-team all-star in each of the last two years. She has finished in the conference's top 10 in blocks every year, as well as the top 20 in scoring.
 
The Lions were eliminated from the playoffs last weekend and, as a result, saw their season come to an end with Sunday's win over Windsor.

The graduating player ceremonies are generously sponsored by Investors Group. As part of the celebration, each graduating student-athlete receives a stuffed lion and some fans have the opportunity to take one home from the Lions Toss, presented by Investors Group.