Jan. 26, 2005

Setting a school-record and establish a season-best nationally for kills in a match didn't go unnoticed for Shaun Powell. On Wednesday, the junior opposite hitter was selected the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association's (EIVA) Player of the Week.

Powell had 39 kills in Friday's match against IPFW, shattering the school's mark for kills in a match in the rally-scoring era. He hit an astounding .441 in that match. Powell followed that up by averaging 3.0 kills per game against 14th-ranked Ball State, leading the Patriots to a 2-0 road trip and a 3-0 start to the season.

The native of Toronto who missed the 2004 season with a leg injury opened the season a week earlier with 22 kills and a .600 hitting percentage against St. Francis (Pa.) University. No Player of the Week award was given out that week, but to date, Powell has been the most dominant player in the conference. He leads all players in kills per game and points per game, is seventh in service aces per game and 10th in hitting percentage.

Powell and the 15th-ranked Patriots return to action on Saturday when they play at Springfield (Mass.) College. That match is scheduled for a 3 p.m. start.