Manda Named Big 12 Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week

Oct. 11, 2010

LAWRENCE, Kan. –

Senior defensive specialist Melissa Manda was named the Big 12 Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week, it was announced by the league office Monday afternoon. It is the second time this season that a Kansas volleyball player has earned conference player of the week accolades.

Manda had a career night on Saturday, Oct. 9 as the Kansas volleyball team recorded its first win over a top 10 opponent in program history. Manda dug a personal-best 32 balls to help limit the Big 12’s top offensive team, No. 10 Iowa State, to a .182 attack percentage. Manda’s 32 digs tied for the league’s single-match dig record so far this season. The 5’9″ defensive specialist was also perfect in all 32 of her service reception attempts.

In addition to her stellar defensive performance, the Wichita, Kan., native added three assists and a pair of service aces. Manda ranks eighth in the conference with 0.28 aces per set and has at least one ace in each of her last three matches.

Manda, who earned player of the week accolades for the first time in her career, becomes the second Jayhawk to earn Big 12 Volleyball Player of the Week honors this season as freshman Brianne Riley was named Rookie of the Week on Sept. 20. It also marks just the second time that Kansas volleyball has earned multiple player of the week awards in the same season. In 2008, senior Karina Garlington and junior Nicole Tate each earned weekly awards.