Claire Kilpatrick earns defensive honor
10/20/2014 3:25:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
Claire Kilpatrick of Sam Houston has been voted as Southland Conference volleyball “defensive player of the week” after her outstanding performances in both the Bearkats' four-set victory over Lamar at home and narrow five-set loss on the road to league-leading Central Arkansas.
The sophomore from Arlington, Texas, Martin High School led the Bearkat defense, totaling 52 digs (5.78 per set) in the two contests. Kilpatrick also posted 55 service receptions with no errors.
In the Kats' 3-1 victory over Lamar on Tuesday, Kilpatrick was credited with a season and career high 30 digs. She also was 27-for-27 on service receptions.
In the thrilling five-set loss to Central Arkansas in Conway, the Bearkat libero produced 22 digs and 28 service receptions. He also served three aces as she helped Sam Houston limit the two opponents to a .177 hitting percentage.
Kilpatrick ranks sixth in the Southland in digs for the season with 318 in 77 sets (4.13) average. She ranks fourth in the league in digs in conference matches with a 5.07 average.
She has posted double figure digs in 16 matches this year.
Kilpatrick's honor marks the fourth time this season a Bearkat has been voted one of the league's weekly honors. Senior outside hitter Deveney Wells-Gibson has been named the Southland's offensive player-of-the-week three times.
Sam Houston continues its three-match road swing this week with matches at Stephen F. Austin on Thursday and Northwestern State on Saturday.
Next home action for the Bearkats is Thursday, October 30, when Sam Houston plays host to Houston Baptist at 6:30 p.m. at Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
