IRVING, Texas – The American Conference has announced the winners of the league’s weekly volleyball awards for the week ending Sunday, September 7.
Offensive Player of the Week
Kristen Birmingham, Sr., OH, Charlotte
Birmingham led the 49ers to an undefeated weekend, averaging 6.00 points per set and 5.27 kills per set on a .403 attack percentage. She ranked in the top 5 in the nation this week in both points (4th) and kills per set (t-5th).
Defensive Player of the Week
Annika Thompson, Sr., L, Charlotte
Thompson was second in the nation in digs per set this week with 6.45. She recorded 23 or more digs in all three matches as she helped anchor the 49ers defense to three wins.
Setter of the Week
Lauren Nixon, Sr., S, Charlotte
Nixon dished out 120 assists over the course of three matches for the 49ers, pacing Charlotte with 10.91 assists per set. She had a career-high 46 assists in the win over College of Charleston
Freshman of the Week
Taylor Gaines, Fr., OH, UTSA
Gaines had a breakout week for the Roadrunners, averaging 3.00 kills per set while hitting .250 from her outside hitter position. She finished the weekend with the second most kills on UTSA.
Honorable Mention
Kai Bailey, Jr., MB, East Carolina
Bailey recorded 1.64 blocks per set to help lead the Pirates to a 3-0 weekend and begin the season with a 6-0 record.
Taryn Gilreath, So., S, East Carolina
Gilreath recorded a career-high 41 assists against UNC Asheville and averaged 10.45 assists per set over three matches.
Maria Clara Andrade, Sr., OH, South Florida
Andrade led the Bulls to wins over (RV) Florida State and South Carolina, averaging 5.08 points per set.
Jordan Heatherly, Jr., S, Wichita State
Heatherly averaged 9.77 assists per set, including a weekend-high 50 assists in the win against UIW.
Maddie Wilson, R-Jr., MB, Wichita State
Wilson averaged 1.55 blocks per set in three matches this weekend and had a weekend-high of nine blocks against Northern Colorado.
