Tulane Volleyball’s Kaylie McHugh named American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – After receiving Allstate Sugar Bowl Collegiate Volleyball Classic Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Tournament honors this past weekend, Tulane volleyball sophomore libero Kaylie McHugh was recognized by the American Athletic Conference for her defensive prowess on the court. McHugh was named Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday.

“She’s a major leader for us, and she sets the tone to every practice and match with her fierce focus and determination,” head coach Jim Barnes said. “She was awarded the honor and rightfully so because she’s our most valuable player, and she drives our team. It was a great week for her, and she’s hungry for more.”

McHugh wrapped up the weekend with 45 digs (4.09 digs/set) through 11 sets played, guiding Tulane to an undefeated homestand and helping the Green Wave claim the title at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Classic after defeating Oklahoma, 3-1, in the final. McHugh recorded a weekend-high 23 digs in the win against Oklahoma, to go along with her 12 digs against Southern Miss and 10 digs against Nicholls, earning her second tournament MVP honor this season in the process.

Earlier this season, McHugh was named to the American’s weekly honor roll after averaging 5.30 digs/set through 10 sets played and earning the Most Valuable Libero award at the Mississippi State Invitational in Starkville, Miss., where Tulane went 2-1 with wins against Grambling State and Mississippi State. This is the second time in McHugh’s collegiate career that she has received the honor. McHugh earned the recognition last season, when she broke a school record in the season finale against USF on Nov. 25, 2016 with 37 digs. As a freshman, McHugh led the American in digs and finished her freshman campaign with a total of 594 digs, the second-highest single-season total in the Tulane record book.

Season ticket packages for the 2017 season are on sale now. Tickets may be purchased by calling 504-861-WAVE(9283), logging onto TulaneTix.com or visiting the ticket office at the James W. Wilson Jr. Center.

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