UCSB’s Emilia Petrachi
After anchoring UCSB’s defense in back-to-back wins this past weekend, Emilia Petrachi was named both the Big West Freshman Player of the Week and Defensive Player of the Week, it was announced by the conference Monday.
The awards are the first weekly accolades of the libero’s young career.
Petrachi tallied 43 digs between the two matches, good for a superb 5.38 dps average, as she helped the Gauchos hold their opponents to a combined .104 hitting percentage.
She first picked up 20 digs and three assists against UC Riverside – who the Gauchos limited to a .065 kill percentage – and later notched 23 scoops and five helpers versus the Titans. Her passing was impressive against Fullerton in particular, as she helped the UCSB attack at a .302 clip, marking the second time this season the Gauchos surpassed the .300-plateau.
The Modena, Italy native has now recorded at least 20 digs in three straight contests and five matches overall.
Petrachi is currently second in the conference with her 4.52 digs per set average, but she has raised her game in league play in posting a Big West leading 4.92 dps average.
With the freshman picking up two of the conference’s three weekly awards, Hawaii’s Tai Manu-Olevao was voted the Big West Player of the Week.
Petrachi and the rest of the Gauchos will hit the road this weekend to Long Beach State (10/23) and Cal State Northridge (10/24). UCSB’s match with CSUN will be broadcast on ESPN3, which can be streamed online at WatchESPN.com.
