IRVING, Texas – The American Athletic Conference has announced the winners of the league’s weekly volleyball awards for the week ending Sunday, October 6.
Offensive Player of the Week
Naiya Sawtelle, Sr., OH, South Florida
Sawtelle led the Bulls to a 2-0 weekend with wins over Temple and Memphis, averaging 5.29 points per set. She finished with 15 kills in both matches.
Defensive Player of the Week
Chelci Banks, Sr., MB, Temple
A force at the net, Banks was tied for 8th in the country this week with 2.33 blocks per set in matches against South Florida and Florida Atlantic.
Setter of the Week
Caroline Dykes, Sr., S, South Florida
Dykes paced the Bulls with 11.43 assists per set in wins over Temple and Memphis. She has helped guide South Florida to its best start in conference play since joining The American.
Freshman of the Week
Sydney Jones, Fr., OH, Temple
The freshman outside hitter averaged 4.33 kills per set, while hitting .400 in matches against South Florida and Florida Atlantic.
Honorable Mention
Angeles Alderete, Jr., OH, East Carolina
Alderete had an all-around weekend, guiding the Pirates to a pair of wins with 4.56 points per set and 3.38 digs per set.
Fran McBride, Gr., RS, East Carolina
McBride averaged 3.38 kills per set and a .436 attack percentage to lead the Pirates in wins past UTSA and North Texas.
Samarah Hill, Gr., OH, Rice
Hill helped guide the Owls to road wins over Tulsa and Wichita State, averaging 3.89 kills per set.
Gabby Mansfield, Jr., L, Rice
Mansfield anchored the Owls defense to a pair of wins, finishing the weekend with 50 total digs (5.56 d/s).
Tatum Tornatta, Gr., OH, Tulsa
Tornatta averaged 5.07 points per set while hitting .244 in matches against Rice and Tulane.
