In a tense victory over Middlebury College, Elsa Daulerio ‘26 netted yet another career record: 200 blocks.
“I had no idea I was close to that. I knew I beat the all time record last year,” Daulerio said. “I wasn’t focused on it, but this season I’ve been having a lot more blocked shots. It feels that way with my defense.”
Daulerio has had a stellar season, leading the team in points (298), field goal percentage (.463), rebounds (149), minutes played (575), and, of course, blocks (51).
Earlier this season on Nov. 25, 2025, she also became the 22nd player in team history to surpass 1,000 career points, joining a club of which her mother, Adrienne Shibles ‘91, is also a part.
“I am really proud of myself for getting this, and I think it’s been sinking in the past couple weeks, just with how much my teammates, my family celebrated me,” Daulerio said at the time.
For Daulerio, sharing this milestone with her mother enhanced the accomplishment. “It means everything to me that our names are going to be up there together,” she said. “She’s been my biggest role model since I was a little girl and when she coached at Bowdoin. So she’s just like the most hardworking person that I know.”
According to Bates Athletics, Daulerio is now third among active DIII players in career blocks.
As of Feb. 7, Bates is ranked 12 among DIII teams nationally and is 19-2 overall, 6-1 in conference. They have only lost to Bowdoin College this season, falling twice. Bates celebrates team Senior Day on Feb. 8 in their home game against Wesleyan University. Daulerio is one of four seniors graduating.
“It’s crazy to think this is my last season,” Daulerio said. She has been a consistent team leader all four years, even leading the team in blocks (42) and rebounds (172) her freshman year.
For Daulerio, attaining these records comes as part of being a team player.
“When my offense isn’t working, I tend to lean more defensively and focus on the things I can control on the defensive end,” Daulerio said. “I see myself as a good help defender. I get most blocks off my defender and help.”
As one of two senior captains, leaving behind such a legacy is important to Daulerio. She says she hopes her teammates “work hard and be consistent every day.”
“Do your best every day,” Daulerio said. “Come out with the same attitude every day, that’s the best thing you can do.”
Additional reporting by Zoe Schaedle ‘26 and Madeline Cournoyer ‘27.
