EVANSVILLE, Ind. – In just over two years at the helm of the University of Evansville volleyball program, Fernando Morales has transformed it into a power in the Missouri Valley Conference and was rewarded on Thursday as UE Director of Athletics Mark Spencer announced that he signed a multiyear extension with the university.
 
"The job Fernando has done since taking over the program is remarkable.  He has generated a new level of excitement within our university and community," Spencer explained.  "His teams have performed well inside the classroom and on the floor and we are excited to have him leading our program."
 
Morales directed the Purple Aces to 21 wins in the fall, its first 20-win season since 1988.  It was also the first time UE has won 20 matches since joining the MVC.  The team was invited to the National Invitational Volleyball Championship, marking the first postseason appearance since the early 1980's.    
 
"I am happy to know that I will be here to see the future of the great things that we have started to do," Morales said.  "We have a great group starting with the student-athletes, my staff, the entire athletic staff and the university administration.  I am very excited knowing that I will be working with this great group of people for many years to come."
 
On top of the team accolades, Morales and his staff have coached their players to record-breaking accomplishments while gaining increased visibility and respect around the league.  Alondra Vazquez finished the 2021 season with a program record 494 kills while leading the Valley for the second season in a row.  The season performance saw her earn All-MVC First Team accolades for the second time.
 
Melanie Feliciano joined Vazquez on the First Team, marking the first time UE has had two players on the squad in the same season.  She played her best volleyball during the conference portion of the season before finishing the year with 3.28 kills and 2.52 digs per set.  Giulia Cardona enjoyed the best freshman season in program history, eclipsing Feliciano's freshman kills record.  The 2021 MVC Freshman of the Year completed the season with 3.99 kills per set, ranking second in the conference behind Vazquez.  She led the MVC in service aces on her way to a spot on the All-Conference Second Team.
 

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