CLEVELAND – The Mid-American Conference announced on Tuesday that sophomore
Rachel Bontrager has been named MAC West Offensive Player of the Week and senior
Mary Murphy has been named MAC West Setter of the Week after leading Western Michigan volleyball to a perfect 4-0 record last week.
In four matches last week, Bontrager led the Broncos with 68 kills, averaging 4.25 per set. The sophomore outside hitter propelled WMU to a perfect 4-0 week including a 3-0 weekend to win the IUPUI Hampton Inn Invitational.
Bontrager collected two double-doubles last week with 22 kills and 15 digs against IUPUI and 21 kills and 14 digs against Northern Arizona. For her performance the Valparaiso, Ind., native was named to the IUPUI Hampton Inn Invitational All-Tournament Team.
Overall, Bontrager ranks first in the MAC in kills (4.30) and points (4.83) per set. Nationally, Bontrager ranks 11
th in the NCAA in total kills (116), ninth in total attacks (328), ninth in total points (130.5), 34
th in kills per set (4.30) and 20
th in attack per set (12.15).
Murphy earned west division setter of the week honors after recording 162 assists, averaging 10.12 per set. At the IUPUI Hampton Inn Invitational last weekend Murphy averaged 10.23 assists per set and recorded a double-double with 39 assists and 13 digs in a four-set victory over SIU-Edwardsville. For her play over the weekend, Murphy was named tournament MVP.
Through seven matches this season Murphy has 252 assists, 9.69 per set which ranks third in the conference. Nationally the Wilmington, Ill., native ranks 33
rd in total assists. For her career Murphy has 3,644 assists, which ranks second most all-time in program history.
Riding a five-match win streak the Broncos return home this weekend to host the Delta Hotel by Marriott Kalamazoo Conference Center Tournament, Sept. 7-8 inside University Arena. The tournament field includes Milwaukee, Loyola-Chicago, Canisius and Utah State.
