AUGUSTA, Ga. - Lander volleyball junior
Sam Alwardt was named the Peach Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced Monday.
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The honor marks the third of Alwardt's career, all coming this season, after previously earning the award on Aug. 31 and Sept. 21.
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Alwardt totaled 89 digs across 13 sets last week, averaging 6.85 digs per set, and helped the Bearcats secure back-to-back Peach Belt Conference road wins over Middle Georgia. She also added 10 assists and four service aces over the three matches.
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The junior opened the week with a career-high 32 digs against Mars Hill on Tuesday, surpassing her previous career best of 26 set earlier this season against Shorter.
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Alwardt followed with 26 digs, three assists and three service aces in Lander's 3-1 victory over Middle Georgia on Friday. She closed the week with 31 digs and four assists in Saturday's 3-1 win over the Knights, marking her second 30-dig performance of the week.
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Through the season, Alwardt ranks second in the PBC with 312 total digs, averaging 5.03 digs per set. She also ranks third in the conference in service aces.
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The Bearcats return to action Friday, Oct. 16, when they host USC Aiken for a two-match PBC series at
Finis Horne Arena. First serve is set for 6 p.m. Friday, with the series concluding Saturday, Oct. 17, at 3 p.m.
