Indiana University Athletics
Nwaeze Named #B1G Defensive Player of the Week
10/6/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Junior middle blocker Awele Nwaeze posted 18 blocks over two matches (2.57 blocks/set) to earn the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award, the conference announced today.
Nwaeze helped the Hoosiers to a 2-0 record this past week with wins over Maryland and Rutgers. IU improved to 12-4 overall and 3-1 in Big Ten play, their best start in conference play since the 1998 season.
On Friday at Maryland, Nwaeze totaled nine blocks in the Hoosiers 3-1 victory over the Terrapins. Nwaeze came back on Sunday against Rutgers with another nine block performance, including three solo blocks in the Hoosiers 3-0 victory over the Scarlet Knights.
“I think Awele has really embraced her middle blocking responsibility,” IU head coach Sherry Dunbar-Kruzan said. “She is controlling the net and allowing our defense to do more, which creates more opportunities for our offense. Those are some big time numbers in the best conference in the country. I’m proud of her and the work she has put in and her role is contributing greatly to our success.”
Nwaeze and the Hoosiers return to action at Purdue on Wednesday Oct. 8 at 7:00 p.m. with a match against the Boilermakers. The Hoosiers welcome the Boilermakers to Bloomington on Saturday Oct. 11 for a 7:00 p.m. match at University Gym.
