GoUSFBulls.com Panick Named Defensive Player of the Week in The American

[Brad]

Panick Named Defensive Player of the Week in The American

The Charlotte Invitational MVP recorded 50 digs, 28 kills, 12 blocks, and nine aces

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Aug. 29, 2016 – University of South Florida senior Elyse Panick was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Week in the American Athletic Conference on Monday afternoon. USF senior outside hitter Dakota Hampton was also recognized on the conference weekly honor roll.

Panick was instrumental in helping the Bulls win the 2016 Charlotte Invitational Championship this past weekend. The Chicago native registered 50 digs, 28 kills, 12 blocks and a conference-best nine aces in 10 sets to win the tournament’s most valuable player award.

“I am so happy for Elyse, she had a brilliant weekend,” said USF head volleyball coach Courtney Draper. “The area of her game that I find most impressive is her blocking and her ability to read defensively. She made some big-time plays this weekend and I think that our USF fans are going to love watching her compete this season.”

This is the first conference player of the week award for Panick, who was also selected to The American’s weekly honor roll last October.

Hampton leads the Bulls with a team-high 42 kills and her 4.20 kills/set rank in the top five in The American. The Orland Park, Ill. native tallied 44 digs, second most on the team, including 23 in a career-high performance against Mercer (Aug. 27).

“Dakota continues to be rock solid for our program,” added Draper. “She is the kind of player that is completely dependable both on offense and defense. Her court awareness is one of the best in the league.”

This is Hampton’s second time appearing on The American’s weekly honor roll (Oct. 23, 2015). She was also named to the 2016 preseason all-conference team and was recognized on The American’s 2015 All-Conference Second-Team.

The Bulls will host the USF Invitational Sept. 2-3 at The Corral. The Bulls’ home opener will be against Western Carolina at 1 p.m. Fans can purchase season, tournament, or single match tickets HERE.

[BullFan98]

Way to go lady Bulls!

[DELdaBull]

What a name