The Mid-American Conference certainly took notice of the UB volleyball team after a dominating performance last weekend in the Blue and White Classic.
Following the team's sweep of opponents at Alumni Arena, senior Kristin Bignell and junior Abby Niekamp completed their own shutout by sweeping MAC Player of the Week honors. The conference selected Bignell as the conference's Defensive Player of the Week, while Niekamp was acknowledged as the Offensive Player of the Week.
Niekamp recorded a total of 35 kills during the weekend and Bignell led the way with 17 blocks, including a career-high 13 against St. John's.
"I am very happy for Abby and Kristin to get this recognition," said head coach Todd Kress in a press release. "They were a big part of our success this weekend and it is very well deserved."
Both players, along with senior Lindsey Schlegel, were named to the All-Tournament Team. Schlegel also earned the tournament's Most Valuable Player award.
Buffalo won its second straight tournament by defeating Binghamton (4-6), Hampton (0-11) and St. John's (10-3) and have improved their overall record to 9-2.
"I am proud of the effort we gave throughout the entire weekend," Kress said. "We played against some very good teams this weekend, but it is important that we defend our home court. I thought the match against St. John's was one of our best performances of the season. But we will continue to get better knowing conference play is rapidly approaching."
Photo: Ryan Hagen | UB Athletics
Photo: Paul Hokanson / UB Athletics
