MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama sophomore libero and defensive specialist Abby Baker was named Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, the first weekly honor of her career.
Maroon Classic Performance
Baker helped the Jaguars to a 3-1 record at last weekend’s Maroon Classic. She totaled 81 digs over four matches, an average of 6.23 per set, and did not commit a reception error on 54 serves she received.
She ranks sixth in the Sun Belt with 3.80 digs per set.
As the Jaguars’ libero, Baker is responsible for anchoring the back row in serve receive and floor defense, and her error-free reception over four matches came as South Alabama won three of its four matches in Starkville, Miss.
Rare Honor for the Jaguars
Baker is the first South Alabama player to earn the conference’s defensive weekly award since Jenna Hassell on Sept. 10, 2012. She is only the third recipient of the honor in program history.
Conference Play Begins
The Maroon Classic results gave South Alabama momentum heading into league play after the Jaguars started the season 0-3 before winning two of three matches at the Cowgirl Classic.
South Alabama opens Sun Belt play Wednesday at Louisiana-Lafayette. The Jaguars then return to Mobile to host Georgia State on Sunday in their conference home opener.
