SPARTANBURG, S.C. - Elon's Caroline Lemke, Furman's Carolyn Nicoletti, and Elon's Chanelle Smith have been named the SoCon Offensive, Defensive and Freshman Volleyball Players of the Week for August 29, respectively. The selections are made by the conference office.
Lemke, an outside hitter/middle blocker, helped the Phoenix start the 2011 season 4-0. In Elon's first match of the season, Lemke recorded nine kills. She then recorded 13 kills off 25 attempts with no errors against Campbell on Saturday. The senior currently averages 2.50 kills per set and was able to record six total blocks for Elon at the Hilton RTP/NCCU Tournament.
The Carmel, Ind. native was also named to the all-tournament team.
Nicoletti, a setter/defensive specialist, led the Paladins with 21 digs in their first match of the season against #17 Duke. Despite falling to the Blue Devils, Furman finished the opening weekend 2-1, picking up wins against Wisconsin and Charleston Southern.
The senior from Chesterfield, Mo. was tied for the lead with 19 digs against Wisconsin and also posted a team-high 19 digs against Charleston Southern. She also picked up All-Tournament honors at the Duke Invitational.
The SoCon's Freshman of the Week went to Elon's Chanelle Smith who had a strong outing in her collegiate debut. The Fayetteville, Ga. native led the team with 44 kills in four matches for the Phoenix, averaging 3.14 per set and .264 attack percentage.
The outside hitter posted a match-high 14 kills against Campbell while also recording a double-double with 14 kills and 12 digs.
Nominated for Offensive Player of the Week were Appalachian State's Anna Wagner, The Citadel's Kaona Mercer, College of Charleston's Sarah Havel, Davidson's Tindal Sewell, Furman's Natalie Braun, Georgia Southern's Bethany Sanford, UNCG's Ari Lysacek, Samford's Lauren Hutchinson, Chattanooga's Christina Teter, Western Carolina's Carrie Minogue and Wofford's Amanda Ligouri.
Nominated for Defensive Player of the Week were Appalachian State's Courtney Rhein, The Citadel's Rachael Farrell, College of Charleston's Emily Shelton, Davidson's Caroline Brown, Elon's Ali Deatsch, Samford's Alexis Bauer, and Western Carolina's Megan Cochran.
Nominated for Freshman of the Week were Appalachian State's Lauren Gray, The Citadel's Amanda Rudnik, Sloane White, Samford's Chelsi Carter, Chattanooga's Melissa Green, Western Carolina's Jordan Timmerman, and Wofford's Taylor Baird.
2011 Volleyball Offensive Players of the Week
Week 1- Caroline Lemke, Elon
2011 Volleyball Defensive Players of the Week
Week 1- Carolyn Nicoletti, Furman
2011 Volleyball Freshmen of the Week
Week 1-Chanelle Smith, Elon