For the second time in the last three weeks, a member of the No. 13 Ball State University men's volleyball team received a conference award.
Middle attacker J.D. Gasparovic was named the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Player of the Week on Monday.
Gasparovic had eight blocks and a career-high 15 kills in a sweep against then-No. 11 Lewis University on Friday at Worthen Arena to open the conference season. He also had a match-high .591 attack percentage in the win.
Coach Joel Walton said he was not surprised to see Gasparovic win this award.
"I thought he was going to be in great position, and I'm excited to see J.D. get the recognition," Walton said. "He blocked well and attacked well."
Of the three player of the week awards this season, a Ball State player has won twice. Outside attacker Todd Chamberlain won the award Jan. 20, after having a career-high 20 kills against No. 6 Stanford University.
Walton said he would like all seven starters to win the award before the season ends. The coach also said the multiple players winning the award shows the balance with his team's offense - a necessity for the Cardinals.
"It's a good thing. If you count on one guy on a night in and night out basis, what happens when that guy is not at his best," Walton said. "Using different weapons makes it a lot easier and more difficult for teams match up with us."
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