BOSTON - Bryant, UMBC, UNH, and NJIT all earn two or more wins in the second week of #AEVB. Both Bryant and UNH go 3-1, with the Wildcats wins highlighted by a home takedown of ACC foe Boston College. UMBC is the only team to go unbeaten on the week, propelled by a recording setting performance out of senior setter Aysia Miller.
This week's action began Tuesday with Binghamton and NJIT both earning wins. All but UMBC will hit the road this weekend, as the Retrievers stay home and host both their Championship Banner Reveal and "Pack the Peake" matches.
2023 #AEVB Weekly Award Winners – Sept. 6
Player of the Week:
Kelly Kaufmann, UNH – Sr., Middle Blocker, Raleigh, N.C.
- Led the Wildcats in kills (34), hitting percentage (.418), blocks (16) and points (43.5), to help the team go 3-1 on the week, highlighted by a win over ACC powerhouse Boston College.
- Earned All-Tournament honors at the Harvard Invitational after putting up 24 kills, 13 blocks, and 32 points.
Rookie of the Week:
Sara Siefert, NJIT – Fr., Outside Hitter, Canton, Ga.
- Helped lead the Highlanders to a 2-2 week after putting up 36 kills, 29 digs, and 43.5 points.
- In a win over CCSU, hit an immpressive .467 pct and tallied 16 kills.
Setter of the Week:
Aysia Miller, UMBC – Sr., Libero, Mililani, Hawaii
- Named an NCAA Big Time Performer after recording UMBC's first-ever triple double with her 14 kills, 33 assists, and 17 digs stat line.
- Totaled 51 assists on the week for a 7.29 assists per set average.
Defensive Specialist of the Week:
Avery LePore, UNH – So., Libero/D.S., Franklin, Tenn.
- Across three games, recorded 54 digs for a 4.91 digs per set average.
- Helped lead the defense to allow only an average .135 hitting pct. vs. Boston College, Harvard, and Holy Cross.
2023 #AEVB Weekly Award Winners:
Aug. 29 – Player of the Week: Mia Bilusic, UMBC; Setter of the Week: Aysia Miller, UMBC; Defensive Specialist of the Week: Avery LePore, UNH; Rookie of the Week: Ella Schabort, Binghamton
Sept. 6 – Player of the Week: Kelly Kaufmann, UNH; Setter of the Week: Aysia Miller, UMBC; Defensive Specialist of the Week: Avery LePore, UNH; Rookie of the Week: Sara Siefert, NJIT
Fans will once again be able to watch nearly every #AEVB contest this season. Select games will air on The AE on ESPN while others will air on AmericaEast.TV. Those games will be available on computers, OTT devices and the America East app, which is available on all IOS and Android devices and can be found by searching 'America East Conference' in app stores.
About America East: The America East provides its member schools and their athletic programs a platform upon which student-athletes can achieve both collegiate and life success through the promotion and nurturing of athletic excellence, academic achievement and leadership, on and off the field.
– Building the Complete Student-Athlete -