Gilpin & Kleptka in week seven action for the Islanders
Southland Volleyball Weekly Release (PDF)
FRISCO, Texas – Now 6-0 in conference matches – having lost only two sets total- Texas A&M-Corpus Christi swept the weekly awards for the second time this season. For the second time each, juniors Brittany Gilpin and Kate Klepetka were named Southland Conference Volleyball Players of the Week, presented by UniversalCoin.com, the league announced Monday.
Offensive Player of the Week – Brittany Gilpin, A&M-Corpus Christi
Junior outside hitter Brittany Gilpin led the Islanders from the outside, hitting .310 and recording double-digit kills against both Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston State. The junior’s 27 kills helped the Islanders remain undefeated in conference play and take sole possession of first place. In the sweep of SFA, she knocked down 11 kills and hit .333. Her play against SHSU was even more pivotal, as Gilpin recorded her eighth double-double with 16 kills and 17 digs. She scored seven of the 15 points in the fifth set with five kills and two blocks. Gilpin also averaged 3.00 digs per set on the week, showcasing a versatile Islander team that leads its Southland counterparts in hitting percentage, opponent hitting percentage, assists and kills.
Honorable Mention: Rebecca Korenek, McNeese; Bailey Banks, Houston Baptist
Defensive Player of the Week – Kate Klepetka, A&M-Corpus Christi
Junior libero Kate Klepetka had a huge week on the back row to help the Islanders remain undefeated, averaging 6.75 digs per set in wins over SFA and Sam Houston State. The 2015 Southland Libero of the Year racked up 21 digs in the sweep of SFA before piling on another 33 in the win over Sam Houston State. Kleptka ranks first in the conference with 107 digs (5.35 per set) in Southland matches, anchoring a potent Islander defense that is holding its league opposition to a .114 hitting percentage on the season.
Honorable Mention: Jenny D’Alessandro, McNeese; Hailey Erickson, Houston Baptist; Amanda Chapa; Abilene Christian
Each school’s sports information director nominates and votes for the players of the week, though is not permitted to vote for his or her own player. To receive honorable mention, a player must receive votes from 25 percent of the Southland sports information directors.