ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – Makenzie Kuchmaner was named the league's defensive player of the week on Monday after leading the Knights to a weekend sweep over their competition, with wins over Houston and Tulane. The award marked Kuchmaner's first of her career.
Kuchmaner continued her strong first season with the Knights. Serving as the Libero, Kuchmaner has been solid on the back row for the Knights as she racked up her 300th dig of the 2019 season over the weekend. In two matches, Kuchmaner posted 5.57 digs per set and also tacked on double-digit assists and a service ace to boot.
"Makenzie was brilliant for us in this pivotal weekend. Her serve receive was solid and her defense was exceptional," said UCF Volleyball Head Coach Todd Dagenais. "It's fun watching her gain confidence and find her exact role as the season has progressed. Her skills are going to be imperative to our success down the stretch"
On Friday, Kuchmaner recorded 17 digs and six assists to help UCF sweep the Western division leading Houston Cougars. She was even better in Sunday's 3-1 win over Tulane, tallying 22 digs and four assists.
After her performance over the weekend, Kuchmaner now sits squarely in the top-10 in the conference in digs per set with 3.74 and is the UCF leader with 303 digs and 3.74 digs per set in 22 matches thus far in 2019.
Kuchmaner and company will be back at The Venue to begin next weekend as they take on in-state rival USF Friday night at 7:00 p.m. The Knights are 1-0 so far this season in the War on I4.
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The Black and Gold will be back at The Venue to begin next weekend as they take on in-state rival USF Friday night at 7:00 p.m. The Knights are 1-0 so far this season in the War on I4.