TicketsSept. 4, 2006
PROVIDENCE, R.I.---Fresh off a most valuable player performance at the Radisson Hotel Invitational, University of Cincinnati sophomore outside hitter Jessica Elley has been named the BIG EAST Player of the Week. The award is not only the first conference honor for Elley, but also marks UC's first-ever BIG EAST Player of the Week award in volleyball.
Elley (Gilbert, Ariz./Gilbert) was outstanding in leading the Bearcats to the team title at the event hosted by Bradley, as she averaged 4.44 kills, 3.44 digs and 1.44 blocks per game, while hitting .405 in the three matches. She recorded 18 kills in a win over Western Illinois and nearly turned in a triple-double in the tournament title match against Bradley with 13 kills, 11 digs and seven blocks.
A first-year starter, Elley has been a pleasant surprise for the 5-1 Bearcats, leading the squad in kills per game with 4.15, while also adding 3.75 digs and 1.20 blocks per game. She has tallied double-doubles in all but one of the Bearcats' matches this year.
UC's Jessie Nevitt (Kennesaw, Ga./Kennesaw Mountain) was honored by the BIG EAST last season on five occasions as rookie of the week, but Elley's honor marks the first player of the week for the program.
UC will be back on the road this week, travelling to Boulder, Colo. for the Colorado Invitational. The Bearcats kick off tournament play against the host Buffaloes on Thursday (Sept. 7) at 7 p.m. MT. Cincinnati is also set to meet Central Connecticut and former Conference USA foe Southern Miss at the event.
Season tickets and Olympic Sports Passes for this season are now available by logging onto UC's official website, GoBEARCATS.com or by calling 1-877-CATS-TIX. UC's next home match is slated for Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. against Morehead State.