FAIRFAX, Virginia – Paco Velez and Radoslav Popov have been selected as the EIVA Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week.
This is Velez's first Offensive Player of the Week award this season. Last week, the redshirt-sophomore was selected as the Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against Rutgers-Newark, NJIT, and Ohio State.
The opposite hitter put on a show offensively against Princeton to help the Patriots clinch an EIVA tournament berth. Velez led the team with a match-best 23 kills and 27.5 points. On top of a great offensive performance, Velez also added eight digs and three blocks to help on the defensive side.
Trailing only Radoslav Popov and Hunter Stevens, Velez has 163 total kills on the season. Velez also leads the team with 30 service aces this year.
This is Popov's first Defensive Player of the Week award of the season. The freshman has previously has been selected as the Offensive Player of the Week twice this season.
Popov had a great overall match against the Tigers to help the Patriots clinch its 14th straight EIVA tournament berth. The outside hitter contributed 12 digs and four blocks against Princeton. Popov also helped out on offensive, finishing with 12 kills and only five errors.
Popov currently ranks second on defense with 122 digs so far this season. Popov has enjoyed an impressive freshman season, earning three Player of the Week selections and leading the team in kills.
Up Next: The Patriots travel to Princeton on Friday, April 18 for its regular-season finale. With a win, Mason would get the third seed in the EIVA tournament. If Princeton wins, the Patriots would finish with the fourth seed.
