Lady Flyers' Mullins Named NJCAA Defensive Player of the Week

Sandhills Community College libero Lainey Mullins has been named the first NJCAA DIII Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week of the season.

The freshman, a product of Pinecrest High School, averaged five digs per set in the week of August 23-29, helping the Lady Flyers record three wins.  She is the first player in the history of the volleyball program at Sandhills to earn the honor in week 1 of the season.

"Lainey is an all-around player," Lady Flyers Coach Alicia Riggan said. "She is aggressive and consistent on the service line and running the back line.  She is quick on the reads and picks up a lot of balls that most hitters would think were kills.  She is quiet, but poised out there on the court."

Mullins recorded a season-high 29 digs and was credited with four service aces in a five-set loss to Wake Tech on Tuesday.  According to NJCAA statistics she is currently second in DIII in serve receptions (241), third in service aces (27) and fourth in digs (155).

The Lady Flyers came into this week as the No. 5 ranked Division III team in the nation.  They take a record of 5-4 into a double match at 3 p.m and 5 p.m. on Friday against Cleveland CC in Shelby, NC.

C. Bergmann