Women's Volleyball | 10/23/2023 11:50:00 PM
GREENSBORO – As North Carolina A&T volleyball continues to find its footing in a new conference, its freshman class is showing signs that the ground is growing stabler every day.
On the heels of freshman outside hitter Kaili Doctor earning three Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) rookie of the week awards, fellow freshman Samaya Wesson got into the act on Monday. Wesson, a middle blocker out of Arlington, Texas, earned co-defensive player of the week accolades from the conference. It marked the Aggies' sixth weekly honor this season in a very competitive conference.
"We are so happy for Samaya," said A&T head coach Hal Clifton. "She has been working diligently in the gym lately, and it has started paying off. Blocking has been a big for her this season."
It also appears to be a big focus for the Aggies. A&T has handed out a lot of rejections as of late. The Aggies have reached double-figure blocks in seven of their last eight matches, including a season-high 18 at Stony Brook on Oct. 1.
Inserting Wesson into the lineup has undoubtedly helped. Wesson had a season-high eight total blocks, all assisted, in a four-set loss to William & Mary on Thursday. She returned on Friday and helped the Aggies earn a three-set sweep of the Tribe with another eight total blocks, all assisted.
Wesson averaged 2.29 blocks per set in the two-match series against the Tribe. The Tribe hit a combined .134 for the series, partially thanks to Wesson's contributions at the net. She also totaled seven kills for the week.
The Aggies are now fourth in the conference in blocks per set. Wesson is averaging 1.33 blocks per set in her last six matches. The Aggies will need the help of Wesson on Saturday and Sunday when they host CAA preseason favorite Towson at Moore Gymnasium. Towson is 17-5 overall and 10-2 in conference play.
2023 A&T VOLLEYBALL WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS
Offensive Player of the Week
Aug. 28: Naiya Sawtelle
Sept. 25: Naiya Sawtelle
Defensive Player of the Week
Oct. 23: Jadyn Berry, UNCW; Samaya Wesson (Wesson shared the honor)
Rookie of the Week
Sept. 25: Kaili Doctor
Oct. 9: Kaili Doctor
Oct. 16: Kaili Doctor
