Sept. 6, 2011
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By Eric DeSalvo
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The accolades continue to flow in for the UCF volleyball team after an impressive showing at the FGCU Homewood Suites Invitational last weekend. On Tuesday, senior setter Rachel Vukson (Oakville, Ontario) was named Division I National Player of the Week by Sports Imports/AVCA and CVU.com after being named Conference USA Setter of the Week on Monday.
This honor marks the second time an athlete from UCF has received the Sports Imports/AVCA Division I National Player of the Week award, the last being Tyra Harper the week of November 17, 1997.
"It's hard to take recognition for these awards because it is a whole team effort," Vukson said. "I couldn't do what I do without the hitters I pass to. As much of a personal award as it is, this is a major team effort."
Vukson helped the Knights to a 3-0 record in last weekend's tournament against then-No. 3 Southern California, Furman and FGCU. In that first victory over USC, the Canadian native tallied 42 assists and 10 digs to help pull off the upset. She continued her strong play in the following two matches against Furman and Florida Gulf Coast, accumulating 37 assists then 45 assists, respectively.
For her efforts, she was named the Most Outstanding Setter of the FGCU Homewood Suites Invitational. For the week, Vukson held her opponents to just a .141 hitting efficiency while the Knights hit .344, both figures are Conference USA weekly bests.
This is the C-USA's second AVCA Division I National Player of the Week award and seventh CVU.com honor. Tulsa junior outside hitter Tyler Henderson was the last C-USA player to be honored by both outlets.
UCF returns home for the Residence Inn/UCF Invitational this weekend to take on UNC Greensboro and Pittsburgh on Friday and in-state foes FAU and USF on Sunday.
Season tickets for the 2011 season are available now for only $30, which includes 18 regular-season matches at The Venue at UCF and admission to three home tournaments. Also available for purchase this season is the UCF Gold Pass. For $75, the Gold Pass grants the avid Knights fan admission to all home volleyball, men's soccer, women's soccer, softball and track & field events.