The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 4 announced three MATC women’s volleyball players with All-Region honors for the 2025-26 regular season. They are sophomores Kim Busateri, Natalia Farrugia, and Rachel Krueger.
Kim Busateri (#7)
Busateri led the Stormers’ defense throughout the regular season, competing in all 40 games and 145 sets. Busateri topped Region 4 with 782 digs, averaging 5.39 per set and setting a new single-season record at MATC. She is ranked fourth nationally at the NJCAA Division II level, while also contributing 156 assists and 59 aces.
Women’s volleyball head coach Shel DeLisle praised Busateri’s achievement. “For two years she has been the defensive backbone of our program, breaking records and ranking among the nation’s leaders in digs,” she says. She added that beyond Busateri’s stats, she has been a mentor to the other players on the team. Busateri’s described as a steady captain and the anchor of their defense. “She continues to elevate her game, and while her departure will leave a significant void, her impact will be felt long after. We only wish we had her for two more seasons,” DeLisle said.
Natalia Farrugia (#6)
Farrugia showed that she is one of the team’s most dangerous weapons, recording 97 aces to rank second in Region 4 and averaging 0.67 aces per set, the fourth-best mark in the region. She tallied 269 kills on a .272 hitting percentage, providing 144 sets. Defensively, Farrugia added 184 digs (1.30 percent) and 99 total blocks (0.69 percent). These accomplishments earned her a spot on the NJCAA All-Region 4 Second Team.
DeLisle praised Farrugia’s presence on the court, saying she plays all six rotations and excels in any front row hitting or blocking position. “She doesn’t make very many mistakes, shows up ready to play, does her job, and is a force from the serving line and at the net,” she says. DeLisle adds that Farrugia is an amazing player and teammate, and the team was glad to have her back for a second year. “So happy for her recognition, but to be honest, not surprised at all; she earned it,” DeLisle added.
Rachel Krueger (#10)
Krueger made her presence felt throughout the season, finishing with 284 kills across 131 sets while hitting .204 and averaging 2.17 kills per set. She also added 69 aces, ranking her among the team’s most effective servers. Defensively, Krueger collected 334 digs and contributed 45 total blocks, underscoring her versatility as a two-way player. Her impact on both sides of the ball made her a valuable asset and secured her place on the NJCAA All-Region 4 Second Team.
“Rachel really brought it to the court this year,” DeLisle said. She described Krueger as “the dark horse” for the All-Region, noting that she often gets overlooked because she isn’t a flashy outside hitter. “No drama, just a solid work ethic. I’m really glad the other coaches recognized her contributions, too. I’m proud of her. This honor is well deserved,” DeLisle said.
