Player of the Week: September 3, 2012

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

Player of the Week:Laine Cielena

Barry University
Freshman, 6'2"Middle Blocker
Home:Krimulda, Latvia
Reported by AVSR Global:December 2011
See Laine Cielena’s bio and a news release at the Barry University web site.

Last week’s action:
• Scored 40 kills and 17 blocks in her opening collegiate weekend. She was the only freshman named to the all-tournament team at Palm Beach Atlantic’s Sunshine Classic.
• Fueled a return by Barry to the national stage with a victory over 18th-ranked Lewis. Barry won the Division II national championship in 1995, 2001 and 2004.
• Posted 1.13 blocks per set, hit .333 and served six aces with only one error. Barry defeated Southern Indiana and Lewis after falling to Washburn and Northwest Missouri State.

Excerpt from original AVSR report (2011):
“Laine’s size, skills and elite experience make her an easy pick to be a freshman starter in mid-Division I as a MB, RH, or possibly LH. Her academic excellence and disciplined mentality add extra stability. She’s a solid, low-risk recruit.”

Update:Kelsie Wills, last week’s Player of the Week

Hofstra University
Senior, 6'1"Outside Hitter
Home:Walton, New Zealand
Reported by AVSR Global:October 2010
See Kelsie Wills's bio at the Hofstra University web site.

Last week’s action:
• Dominated again in four more victories. Scored 90 kills (6.0/set) at .364 efficiency.
• Was named Division I Player of the Week by the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
• MVP of the Hofstra Invitational. It’s her second MVP award in the season’s first two weeks.
• Repeated as the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Player of the Week.
• Has led Hofstra to an 8-0 mark this season, averaging 6.1 kills per set at a .343 rate.

Excerpt from original AVSR report (2010):
“Exciting but unrefined player with a lively body and sharp instincts everywhere on the court. .... Has big moments as an athletic, aggressive swinger. Especially dangerous at terminating off-target sets. .... Can play six rotations in the top third of Division I as a LH or RH.”