Hays and Thomas Voted Southland Volleyball Players of the Week
FRISCO, Texas ? In the final weekly awards of the 2008 season, Central Arkansas freshman Jessica Hays and Sam Houston State senior Haley Thomas were voted Southland Conference volleyball players of the week by the league’s sports information directors. Hays takes home her second honor in three weeks giving the Sugar Bears five on the season. Thomas receives her first and team’s first award of the season.
Offensive Player of the Week - Jessica Hays, Central Arkansas
Hays led the Sugar Bears to a 2-0 road record with 3.88 kills per set and 31 kills over eight sets, she also led UCA with 1.12 blocks per set and aces (0.62). She was second on the team with 3.00 digs per set, and at Sam Houston she had 13 kills, two aces, 11 digs and a season-high six total blocks. Her match at Lamar yielded 18 kills, three aces, 13 digs and three solo blocks. Hays has recorded four straight double-doubles, all on the road.
Honorable Mention: Amanda Aguilera, UTA; Anna Ferguson, SHSU; Lauren Railey, SFA; Jessica Srajer, SLU; Jessica Weynand, TXST.
Defensive Player of the Week - Haley Thomas, Sam Houston State
Thomas led Sam Hosuton to victories over tournament bound teams Lamar and Northwestern State. The Lamar win marked the third time this year Sam Houston has defeated a team that came into the match in first place in its division. Thomas also recorded 12 blocks vs. Central Arkansas and, 8 vs. Lamar.
Honorable Mention: Kelly Bence, UCA; Nicole Bowden, MCN; Laurel Kuepker, SFA.