CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- The 2012 America East volleyball season got underway over the weekend and strong performances have earned two student-athletes the first conference weekly awards of the year, which were announced Monday afternoon.
Stony Brook University's Melissa Rigo had an impressive first three matches as a collegian to earn both Player and Rookie of the Week accolades, while University New Hampshire's Taylor Dunklau picked up Setter of the Week recognition.
Rigo (East Northport, N.Y.) averaged a conference-best 4.25 kills and 5.25 points per set in three matches over the weekend. The freshman outside hitter also ranked third in hitting percentage (.313) and eighth in digs per set (2.58). Rigo had 12 kills in the Seawolves' 3-0 win over Quinnipiac and recorded double-doubles (17 kills, 12 digs/22 kills, 14 digs) in losses to Indiana and Army.
Dunklau (Mukowonago, Wis.) took advantage of an opportunity, starting for the injured Jansan Falcusan over the weekend. The sophomore setter averaged a conference-best 10.08 assists per set at the Villanova Classic. Her assist total increased in each match as she set up 36 kills on 90 attempts (.400 team hitting percentage) in a 3-0 win over Robert Morris on Friday. She then had 43 assists and nine digs in a 3-2 loss to Maryland and 52 assists and 11 digs in a 3-2 loss to Villanova.
2012 America East Weekly Award Winners
Aug. 27 - Player of the Week: Melissa Rigo (Stony Brook); Setter of the Week: Taylor Dunklau (New Hampshire); Rookie of the Week: Melissa Rigo (Stony Brook)