Player of the Week: December 5, 2011

Each Monday in the fall, one collegiate player originally reported as a recruit by AVSR Global is named AVSR Player of the Week for her performance of the past week and current season.

Player of the Week:Jekaterina “Kate” Stepanova

Florida State University
Senior; 6'2"Outside Hitter
Home:Riga, Latvia
Reported by AVSR Global:November 2007
See Kate Stepanova’s bio at the Florida State web site. See a news release (Albany match) and a news release with video (Cincinnati match) at the FSU web site.

Last week’s action:
• Led Florida State into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament, knocking out Albany 3-0 and Cincinnati 3-2. Scored 27 kills at .269 efficiency and added 21 digs plus six blocks.
• It was a typical weekend for the All-Atlantic Coast Conference star. She leads FSU this year with 3.3 kills per set at .267 efficiency while averaging 2.8 digs per set.
• In the second round squeaker over Cincinnati, Stepanova scored the winning points of the tightest two sets. She nailed kills to end the first set at 25-23 and the final set at 15-13.

Excerpt from original AVSR report (2007):
“Recruitable to play LH or RH for a Top 20 Division I team. .... Swift, light, dynamic athlete and an experienced, all-purpose LH. .... Exceptional transition quickness for a 6'2" athlete.”

Special Mention:Kitija Megne

Seminole State College (NJCAA Division I)
Freshman; 5'9½"Setter / Outside Hitter
Home:Kuldiga, Latvia
Reported by AVSR Global:October 2010
See Kitija Megne's bio at the Seminole State web site.

Last week’s action:
• Was named to the NJCAA Division I All-America team. A setter and all-purpose force, Megne guided Seminole State to a 35-5 record, its best mark in team history.
• In 114 sets she averaged 10.1 assists, 1.7 kills, 2.0 digs, .47 blocks and .90 aces.

Excerpt from original AVSR report (2010):
"An exceptionally savvy, efficient setter and cool-headed competitor. .... Technically and tactically she excels at running a swift, unpredictable offense."