SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Omaha senior middle blocker McKenna Ruch and freshman middle blocker Emily Huss swept the latest TicketSmarter Summit League Volleyball Peak Performers of the Week, respectively, league officials announced on Tuesday.
Ruch led the Mavericks with 25 kills, averaging 3.57 kills per set and hit .396 overall. The Omaha, Neb., native began her week with 12 kills, one dig and one block assist in a home sweep of Denver.
The next home match saw the senior record her fourth straight double-digit kills match with 13 kills in a four-set triumph over North Dakota. She added five digs, four block assists, two service aces and one assist.
Huss guided an Omaha defense with 14 total blocks, including four solo blocks, in the two victories. The Fairbury, Neb., native tallied three block assists and two kills against the Pioneers.
Huss became the first Maverick this season to record double-digit blocks in a single match when she registered a career-high 11 blocks, including four solo blocks, against the Fighting Hawks. In total, Huss averaged 2.00 blocks per set.
McKenna Ruch, Omaha
Sr. | MB | Omaha, Neb.
- Captured the first career offensive peak performer of the week honor and fifth overall weekly award
- Led the Mavericks with 25 kills, 3.57 kills per set and a .396 hitting percentage in two wins
- Posted two service aces, five total blocks and has double-digit kills in four straight matches
Also nominated: Rylee Martin (South Dakota State), Ali Hinze (North Dakota State), Marissa Stockman (North Dakota), Kalena Vaivai (Oral Roberts), Madison Harms (South Dakota), Tezra Rudzitis (St. Thomas), Cassie Davis (Denver).
Emily Huss, Omaha
Fr. | MB | Fairbury, Neb.
- Collected the first career defensive peak performer of the week award
- Led Omaha 14 total blocks (2.00 blocks per set), including four solo blocks, in two wins
- Became first Maverick this season to record double-digit blocks in a single match when she posted a career-high 11 blocks (including four solo) vs. North Dakota
Also nominated: Rylee Martin (South Dakota State), Taylor Quan (North Dakota State), Izzie McCormick (North Dakota), Kedron Burk (Oral Roberts), Kamryn Farris (South Dakota), Leah Green (Kansas City), Molly Mirabelli (Denver).
2023 Volleyball Players of the Week
August 29
O: Ali Hinze, North Dakota State
D: Carly Gillen, Kansas City
September 5
O: Kaia Dunford, Kansas City
D: Leah Green, Kansas City
September 12
O: Morgan Middleton, North Dakota State
D: Madison Harms, South Dakota
September 19
O: Kelley Johnson, North Dakota State
D: Brynn Paumen, South Dakota
September 26
O: Cadi Boyer, Denver
D: Leah Green, Kansas City
October 3
O: Amanda Hardt, Omaha
D: Leah Green, Kansas City
October 10
O: Briley Decker, Denver
D: Erica Fava, Omaha
October 17
O: McKenna Ruch, Omaha
D: Emily Huss, Omaha
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