Paolini and Kocher claim Big 12 Volleyball weekly honors
Dec. 1, 2008
AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas senior All-America middle blocker Lauren Paolini and freshman setter Michelle Kocher have been named the Big 12 Conference Player and Rookie of the Week, respectively, after leading the third-ranked Longhorns to a pair of conference wins last week. Paolini claimed her second career player of the week honor and first of the season, while Kocher earned her fifth rookie award of the year. Paolini headlined Texas' offense last week in its Big 12 title clinching victories at Missouri and against Colorado. The senior registered 3.57 kills per-set for the week, committed just two attack errors and hit at a .605 clip. She also averaged 1.14 blocks per-set in her all-around effort. In Texas' win over Missouri, Paolini connected for 12 kills and hit at a .435 clip, while adding six block assists, four digs and two assists. On senior night against CU, the All-America middle blocker posted her eighth error-free match in Big 12 play, recording 13 kills on 15 swings and hitting at a career-best .867 clip. Kocher helped the Longhorns offense to a .357 team hitting percentage and averaged 12.71 assists per-set in Texas' two wins last week. The Wheaton, Ill., native added 1.57 assists and 0.86 blocks per-set for the week. In the Horns' win at Missouri, Kocher registered 54 assists, eight digs, four total blocks, three kills and paced UT to a .355 hitting percentage. Against Colorado, the freshman tallied 35 assists, three kills, three digs, two total blocks, one solo block and helped Texas to a .359 team hitting percentage. Texas returns to action on Friday, Dec. 5 when it hosts Lamar in the first round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. First serve is set for 6:30 p.m.
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