Szews and Jenness Earn Player of the Week Honors
February 05, 2019 | Men's Volleyball
MUNCIE, Ind. – Junior outside attacker Matt Szews has been selected as the Midwest Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA) Defensive Player of the Week while Kaleb Jenness was named Off the Block Co-National Freshman of the Week after helping the Ball State University men's volleyball team go 2-0 last week and push its winning streak to four matches.
"I'm really excited for Matt," said head coach Joel Walton. "His blocking had a huge impact on both our wins this last week. We really emphasize defensive with our guys so it's nice to see us win this award for the second time this season. Kaleb had a good enough week to win either the offensive or defensive award, but it's nice to see him earn recognition on at least some level."
The Cardinals opened last week with a trip to Harvard on Friday where they pulled out a five-set victory. Szews led the way in blocking on the night with five block assists and a solo block for a total of six. He also added two digs and two service aces while tallying 11 kills on a .267 hitting percentage. The junior also chipped in an assist. Jenness contributed 17 kills in that win on a .519 hitting percentage, along with one ace, one block and 11 digs.
Just one night later, Ball State hopped on a bus to Fairfield, Conn. where a matchup with Sacred Heart awaited. Szews again led the Cardinals in blocking, along with Lemuel Turner and Parker Swartz, as he totaled five en route to a 3-1 win over the Pioneers. Along with his solid blocking performance, the Wisconsin native added four digs, an ace and a team-high 15 kills. The freshman from South Carolina also had another solid outing with 13 kills. He also pitched in two aces, two blocks and 11 digs.
For the week, Szews totaled 26 kills, three aces, 11 blocks, six digs and an assist. Jenness compiled 30 kills, three aces, three blocks and 22 digs. Those two and the rest of the Cardinals will be back in action on Thursday (Feb. 7) when they welcome McKendree to Worthen Arena for a 7 p.m. ET MIVA contest.
For all the latest on Ball State men's volleyball, follow @BallStateMVB social media and visit BallStateSports.com.
"I'm really excited for Matt," said head coach Joel Walton. "His blocking had a huge impact on both our wins this last week. We really emphasize defensive with our guys so it's nice to see us win this award for the second time this season. Kaleb had a good enough week to win either the offensive or defensive award, but it's nice to see him earn recognition on at least some level."
The Cardinals opened last week with a trip to Harvard on Friday where they pulled out a five-set victory. Szews led the way in blocking on the night with five block assists and a solo block for a total of six. He also added two digs and two service aces while tallying 11 kills on a .267 hitting percentage. The junior also chipped in an assist. Jenness contributed 17 kills in that win on a .519 hitting percentage, along with one ace, one block and 11 digs.
Just one night later, Ball State hopped on a bus to Fairfield, Conn. where a matchup with Sacred Heart awaited. Szews again led the Cardinals in blocking, along with Lemuel Turner and Parker Swartz, as he totaled five en route to a 3-1 win over the Pioneers. Along with his solid blocking performance, the Wisconsin native added four digs, an ace and a team-high 15 kills. The freshman from South Carolina also had another solid outing with 13 kills. He also pitched in two aces, two blocks and 11 digs.
For the week, Szews totaled 26 kills, three aces, 11 blocks, six digs and an assist. Jenness compiled 30 kills, three aces, three blocks and 22 digs. Those two and the rest of the Cardinals will be back in action on Thursday (Feb. 7) when they welcome McKendree to Worthen Arena for a 7 p.m. ET MIVA contest.
For all the latest on Ball State men's volleyball, follow @BallStateMVB social media and visit BallStateSports.com.
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