CVU.com National Player of the Week (Nov. 10): Kelsey Benorden

The Collegiate Volleyball Update (CVU.com) is pleased to announce that UNC Asheville junior Kelsey Benorden has been selected as the CVU.com National Player of the Week for Nov. 2 through Nov. 8.

A 5-10 outside hitter from Knoxville, Tenn., Benorden turned in big matches on both sides of the net to lead the Bulldogs to a trio of conference victories and keep them in first place in the Big South.

In an early week tilt at Gardner-Webb, Benorden got started with the first of three double-doubles, notching 16 kills and 15 digs to go with two blocks and an ace as Asheville came away with a 3-1 victory.

The road trip continued at Liberty, where, with first place on the line, Benorden had her biggest offensive match of the week, drilling 25 kills on .370 hitting to go with 15 more digs and two more blocks in the 3-1 win.

Finally, at High Point, Benorden turned in only the second 20-20 match in the conference this season. In yet another 3-1 victory, the senior knocked down 20 kills to go with a career-best 28 digs. For the week she averaged 5.08 kills and 4.83 digs per set while hitting .306. She also added seven total blocks.

In addition to the Player of the Week, CVU.com will be announcing selections for the Top Performers from the past week. These selections will include the Player of the Week and up to 10 others. Choices will consist of players who were finalists for the weekly honor and others who had exceptional individual matches. The additional selections will be based on nominations and CVU.com staff criteria.

Top Performers

• Sandra Adeleye, Clemson, Freshman, Middle hitter, 6-0
• Brianne Barker, Oklahoma, Sophomore, Setter, 5-9
• Kelsey Benorden, UNC Asheville, Junior, Outside hitter, 5-10
• Alaina Bergsma, Loyola Marymount, Freshman, Opposite, 6-3
• Kim Bukowski, Valparaiso, Senior, Setter, 5-8
• Emmy Davidsmeyer, Denver, Senior, Right side, 6-0
• Nikki Fowler, Tennessee, Junior, Outside hitter, 6-2
• Jamie Hagerman, UMKC, Senior, Outside hitter, 6-0
• Lauren Mathewson, Kansas State, Junior, Libero, 5-6
• Whitney Phillips, Portland State, Junior, Outside hitter, 5-10
• Brianne Sauer, Kentucky, Senior, Libero, 5-6

Editor's Note: This is the eleventh in a series of Player-of-the-Week selections that will be made through the remainder of the season and announced on Tuesday or Wednesday of each week.

College and conference SIDs are welcome to make Player-of-the-Week nominations. Nominations are due every Monday by 1 p.m. Pacific time.

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