Irvine–This afternoon the Big West Conference announced that redshirt freshman libero Nicole Rodriguez was named Women's Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week.

Rodriguez, who had her 2016 season cut short due to injury, was named to the 2017 Titan All-Tournament Team, after averaging a conference-leading 5.80 digs per set. She also chipped in 1.20 assists per frame.

The Montebello, CA native's selection marks the second opening weekend in a row (Maddie Hubbell) that a UC Riverside libero has earned Defensive Player of the Week honors. List of UC Riverside Big West of the Player of the Week winners.

The Highlanders went 2-1 in the Titan Tournament, where they finished ahead the pack in digs per set with 20.80.

Big West press release