ST. LOUIS, MO -- Senior libero Lea Sack (Lincoln, Neb./Pius X) has been named Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week according to an announcement by the league office Monday afternoon.
The Tournament MVP of the Rocket Invitational, Sack helped Bradley to a perfect 3-0 record and the tournament title. She averaged 5.15 digs, 1.23 assists and 0.38 aces per set in the three matches and helped the Braves limit opponents to a .138 hitting percentage in the three outings. Sack is the first Brave to earn MVC Defensive Player of the Week honors since Lauren Zerante on Sept. 3, 2013.
Sack opened the season with a career-best 31 digs to tie for the eighth-best match total in school history in a five-set win against host Toledo as Bradley earned a true road win to open a season for the first time since 1985. She came back later that day to collect 21 digs, career-best nine assists and three aces in a five-set win vs. Youngstown State to help the Braves win back-to-back five-set matches for the first time since 2001.
In the championship match of the Rocket Invitational, Sack helped Bradley limit Green Bay to the lowest hitting percentage for a Bradley opponent since 2001 (-.054), compiling 15 digs, two assists and one ace in a sweep of the Phoenix. She helped the Braves to the first 3-0 start to a season since 2012 and moved up six spots on Bradley's career digs list into 16th.
Sack and the Bradley Volleyball team will make their home this weekend, hosting the CEFCU Classic Friday and Saturday at Renaissance Coliseum. Play begins Friday at 10 a.m. with UMASS Lowell taking on Weber State. The Braves will face Weber State Friday at 7 p.m. in the home opener.
Season tickets for Bradley Volleyball are available at the Bradley Athletics Ticket Office in Renaissance Coliseum for $40 for adults and $20 for children. Little Braves Club members receive free admission to all Bradley Volleyball home contests. Contact the Bradley Athletics Ticket Office at 309-677-2625 to purchase season tickets or for more information.
