Nebraska libero Lexi Rodriguez named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week
For the first time this season, Nebraska libero Lexi Rodriguez is the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.
The junior deserved it after two big-time performances in the Huskers’ four-set win over Michigan State and its sweep over No. 13 Penn State.
The 5-foot-5 libero averaged 4.86 digs per set over the two matches. She had 16 vs. the Spartans and tied for a season-high 18 in three sets against Penn State. The junior had 12 digs in the first set vs. the Nittany Lions.
Rodriguez also averaged 1.57 assists per set with 11 total assists. She also had a perfect reception rating in both matches.
The libero is a key piece of Nebraska’s ability to hold their two previous opponents to a .106 hitting percentage. The Huskers also lead the country with a .122 opponent-hitting percentage this season.
Rodriguez is also an excellent passer and is one of the best in the country at passing the ball right to the setter. The Huskers hit .302 and .269 against Michigan State and Penn State, respectively.
Nebraska has had a Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week award since Rodriguez won it on Oct. 10, 2022.
Big Ten weekly awards
Four other Huskers have won a Big Ten weekly award.
Outside hitter Lindsay Krause was last week’s Big Ten Player of the Week after averaging 3.42 kills per set against Michigan State and Michigan. She has hit .458.
Outside hitter Harper Murray has been the Big Ten Freshman of the Week three times. Opposite hitter Merritt Beason was named the Big Ten Player of the Week twice. Freshman setter Bergen Reilly has been the Setter of the Week twice and the Freshman of the Week once this season.
Three takes from No. 2 Nebraska volleyball’s sweep of No. 13 Penn State
This week, Wisconsin outside hitter Sarah Franklin was named the Big Ten Player of the Week. In the Badger’s wins over Rutgers and Maryland, she had 34 kills and averaged 5.67 kills per set with a .321 hitting percentage. She was also lethal at the service line, recording five service aces. The senior added 18 digs and two blocks.
Indiana’s Camryn Haworth is the Big Ten Setter of the Week and libero Ramsey Gary is the Freshman of the Week. Haworth averaged 9.71 assists per set in the Hoosier’s wins over No. 15 Purdue and Michigan. Gary averaged 6.14 digs per set with nine total assists and two aces.
Next up, Nebraska plays at Northwestern on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. CT on B1G+. Then they host No. 1 Wisconsin on Saturday at 7:00 p.m. on the Big Ten Network.
The Huskers are currently No. 2 in the AVCA Coaches Poll and is undefeated at 17-0 and is 8-0 in the Big Ten.
