RICHMOND, Va. – University of Delaware sophomore outside hitter Maria Bellinger was named the Colonial Athletic Association Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week on Monday following her outstanding performance at the George Washington Tournament over the weekend.
Bellinger (Paramus, N.J./Paramus) blasted 62 kills during the Blue Hens' three matches, an average of 4.77 per set, and led the team with a .262 hitting percentage. She also ranked second on the squad with a 3.31 digs average, as Delaware won two of three matches at the invitational.
Bellinger posted career-highs of 25 kills and 20 digs while hitting .340 in Friday's five-set win over UMBC, becoming the eighth player in UD history to notch a 20-kill/20-dig performance. She then established her career-high in kills for the second consecutive contest by slamming 28 Friday night against George Washington, tied for sixth most in school history. Bellinger added 14 digs vs. the Colonials, recording her second straight double-double.
Bellinger became the second player in school history to record consecutive matches of at least 25 kills, along with Colleen Walsh in 2006. She then contributed nine kills and nine digs in the three-set victory over Holy Cross on Saturday.
Bellinger, who was named to the All-Tournament Team for the fourth consecutive invitational, currently ranks third in the conference with both 4.11 kills and 4.61 points per set.
Bellinger, who earned her first CAA Offensive Player of the Week honor, shared the award with Hofstra setter Luisa Sydlik.
Delaware (2-8) opens conference play this week, traveling to William & Mary on Thursday and Elon on Saturday for a pair of 7 p.m. matches.
MEDIA INFORMATION: Contact Kevin Tritt | ktritt@udel.edu | Office: 302-831-8715 | Cell: 302-383-5005
