For the third time this season, senior Beth Brankle was honored as the Sooner Athletic's top defender as she was selected the Defensive Player of the Week, the conference offices announced Monday morning (Oct. 30).
Brankle, a Siloam Springs native, averaged 6.18 digs per set in a 2-1 weekend. Totaling 68 scoops over the three-match week, Brankle has now reached 500 or more digs in three consecutive seasons.
"After coming off our loss on Friday to City, we talked with our team about focusing on playing each point on Saturday as if it would be your last one, and what legacy did they want to leave," recalled head coach Ken Carver. "Beth, as one of our four seniors, embraced this whole-heartedly and truly gave her all in both matches. She has been having another very steady and consistent season for our team.
"Beth has continued to work hard on her craft and it has paid off for her as well as for her team this year. Her effort and performance on Saturday were huge and I'm proud of her being recognized by our conference coaches, once again."
Brankle's 5.02 digs per set average in 2017 is not only a current career-high, but also places her at No. 44 in the nation. She is also second in the SAC in total digs (507).
Sports on 11/01/2017