GLIAC -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced its sixth weekly awards of the 2021 GLIAC volleyball season. Saginaw Valley State junior Maria Vukaj was named North Division Player of the Week, while Grand Valley State junior Abby Graham was selected GLIAC Volleyball South Division Player of the Week.
NORTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Maria Vukaj, Saginaw Valley St.
Vukaj is the first Cardinal to take the honor this season after recording two standout performances at Ashland. In the opener on Friday, Vukaj led the SVSU offense with 19 kills, adding 19 digs on defense in the four-set win over the Eagles. In the finale, Vukaj again led the offense with 17 kills, adding a season-high 25 digs in another four-set win. She totaled four blocks at the net over the weekend. This season, the Davison, Mich., native is averaging 3.80 kills per set and 3.22 digs per set. SVSU (4-8) closes the 2021 spring regular season at Ferris State University for two games starting at 7 pm Friday in Big Rapids, Mich.
SOUTH PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Abby Graham, Grand Valley St.
Grand Valley State Junior Abby Graham totaled 23 kills, 37 digs, and a .317 attack percentage in a weekend split of Michigan Tech. In Friday's match, the St. Charles, Ill. native played as the libero, before moving to outside hitter position on Saturday. Graham helped the Lakers to a five set victory on Saturday over the Huskies by recording 23 kills and 20 digs to move the Lakers record to 9-3. On the season, Graham has tallied 68 kills and 194 digs as she has transitioned between both the libero and outside hitter position for the majority of the season.
HONORABLE MENTION
NORTH: Jacqueline Smith (NMU), Mackenzie Kepler (NU), Katie O'Connell (FSU), Laura De Marchi (MTU),
SOUTH: Brooke Peiffer (AU), Bryanna Moonen (PNW), Hayley Kreiger (DU), Reese Rossnagel (UWP),