UCSB’s Ali Spindt
Ali Spindt was named the Big West Player of the Week after leading the Gauchos to back-to-back road wins, including a five-set victory over No. 21 Cal State Northridge, the conference announced on Monday.
The outside hitter is just one of two freshmen to earn the accolade as she averaged 4.00 kills and 3.38 digs per set over the weekend.
“This is a great honor for Spindt,” UCSB Head Coach Nicole Lantagne Welch said. “We are asking her to do a lot for us in her first season and she continues to rise to those challenges.”
Spindt stepped up for the Gauchos in their crucial matchup with the first-place Matadors when she tied a career-high with 18 kills. She also added 10 digs in recording her team-leading 11th double-double of the season, her third consecutive.
With the win, the Gauchos took placed themselves in an optimal position to become Big West Champions.
UCSB started their weekend in Davis where Spindt was just one of two players to record double-digit kill figures with 14, while also picking up 17 digs.
The freshman’s 32 kills are the most she has garnered in a weekend of play this season.
Katey Thompson was previously named the conference player of the week after UCSB’s upset win over nationally ranked Hawai’i on Oct. 11.
Spindt and the Gauchos return to the Thunderdome this Friday when they host Cal State Fullerton at 7 p.m.
Senior Night will be on Saturday as Kara Sherrard, Leah Sully, and Katey Thompson will compete in their final home match against UC Riverside.
