DENVER SMU outside hitter Jacky Niederstadt has been named the Western Athletic Conference Volleyball Player of the Week for the week of Oct. 27. This is the first player of the week honor for SMU this season. The last Mustang to earn the honor was Leslie Lasiter in October of 2001.
Niederstadt, a native of Austin, Texas, guided the Mustangs to two big wins over Western Division foes, Nevada and Fresno State. SMU moved to 8-1 in the WAC, increasing its first-place lead in the Eastern Division. SMU takes a one-point lead over Fresno State for the second seed in the WAC Tournament with four matches remaining.
The junior posted double-doubles in both matches, including a 23-kill, 19-dig performance in the Mustangs, 3-2, win over Fresno State. Niederstadt also added 16 kills and 17 digs in the Mustangs win over Nevada. She has had double-doubles in seven of nine WAC matches this season. She ended the week with 39 kills, 36 digs and three blocks.
Other nominees included: Robyn Keune, Fresno State; Nohea Tano, Hawaii; Cristine SantAnna, Louisiana Tech; Salaia Salavea, Nevada; Rebecca Kainz, Rice; Dana Rudd, San Jose State.