Ball State University Athletics
Patrick Durbin Named MIVA Player of the Week
February 18, 2008 | Men's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. ? Patrick Durbin (Louisville, Ky./Trinity H.S.), a senior outside attacker for the Ball State men's volleyball team, has been named the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Player of the Week after helping captain the Cardinals to wins against No. 8 Ohio State and Mercyhurst last week.
Durbin is the third BSU player to earn the MIVA's weekly award in the last four weeks. Freshman middle attacker J.D. Gasparovic (St. Louis, Mo./Oakville H.S.) and sophomore setter Ethan Pheister (Shorewood, Wis./Shorewood H.S.) have also earned the honor since Jan. 29.
"It is a great honor to be the first team in the league to have three MIVA Player of the Week selections," said BSU head coach Joel Walton. "It is also a testament to how our team has played that each selection has been a different player."
Durbin started the weekend with his fourth double-double of the season, smashing 22 kills while adding 12 digs in the win over No. 8 Ohio State - - who entered the match undefeated in league play. He paced all players with 23.5 points, which included a service ace and a block assist.
In the victory over Mercyhurst, Durbin tallied 15 points by swinging for 12 kills and adding a career-high three solo blocks.
During the two matches Durbin, who picked up player of the week accolades for the first time in his career, averaged 5.50 points, 4.86 kills, 2.00 digs and .57 blocks per game, while hitting .294.
"I'm excited for Pat because he is one of our team captains and a great leader on the court," added Walton. "His play has been instrumental to our recent improvement as a team."
The Ball State men's volleyball team returns to action Wednesday when it hosts league foe Loyola at 7:30 p.m. at Worthen Arena. Admission to the match is FREE!!!
