SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Furman’s Ashton Gregory and Chattanooga’s Nicole Sumida have been named Southern Conference Volleyball Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, while Mercer’s Emily Krogman earned Freshman honors for games of November 14-16. The selections are made by the conference office.
Offensive Player of the Week: Ashton Gregory, Furman, Sophomore, Middle Blocker, Yadkinville, N.C.
Ashton Gregory continued her impressive season with 29 kills and a .469 hitting percentage in the final two regular games of the season for Furman last week. The sophomore averaged 4.83 kills per set with 12 kills in a three-set win over Samford on Friday and then 17 kills in a sweep of Chattanooga on Saturday. Gregory not only leads the conference in hitting percentage (.372) and blocks per set (1.24) but also ranks fourth in kills per set (3.40) and second in the NCAA in solo blocks with 44. The native of Yadkinville, N.C. earns the weekly offensive award for the fourth time this season, most by any player this season.
Other Nominees: Bailey Kernodle (The Citadel), Meredith Hardy (ETSU), Molly Locke (Mercer), Michaela Reesor (Samford), Sarah Batterton (Chattanooga), Addy George (Western Carolina), Taylor Baird (Wofford)
Defensive Player of the Week: Nicole Sumida, Chattanooga, Junior, Middle Blocker, Hixson, Tenn.
Nicole Sumida totaled 12 blocks over six sets for an average of 2.00 blocks per set in two matches last week. The junior middle blocker recorded a season-high nine blocks against Furman on Saturday to lead the Mocs to 11.0 total blocks. Sumida also added 12 kills and hit .391 for the two matches. The native of Hixson, Tenn. takes home the weekly defensive honor for the first time this season.
Other Nominees: Lauren Hurt (The Citadel), Katie Muey (ETSU), Payton Frappier (Furman), Elyssa Mulheron (Western Carolina)
Freshman of the Week: Emily Krogman, Mercer, Middle Blocker, San Diego, Calif.
Emily Krogman recorded 23 kills and a .409 hitting percentage in the Bears two matches last week. She averaged 2.88 kills per set to claim her first weekly award of the season. The rookie middle blocker totaled 12 kills with a .524 hitting percentage against ETSU on Saturday. Krogman then followed with 11 kills and a .304 hitting percentage in a four-set win over Western Carolina on Sunday. The native of San Diego, Calif., ranks ninth in the conference overall in hitting percentage with a .290 mark.
Other Nominees: Moriah Smith (The Citadel), Rylee Milhorn (ETSU), Meg DeMaar (Furman), Ashley Muench (UNCG), Jo-Leigh Vervelde (Western Carolina)