Paco Velez has been named the EIVA Defensive Player of the Week for men's volleyball.  Velez earned the honor after the Patriots split the weekend against #10 IPFW and #13 Ball State.

The redshirt junior finished with seven digs and four blocks in the sweep against Ball State on Saturday night.  Velez also added six digs and one block against IPFW on Friday.

The Guaynabo, Puerto Rico native plays opposite hitter for the Patriots and leads the team with 44 digs on the season and is tied for first with 18 blocks.  Velez also helped out on offense, adding a combined 16 kills and four aces in the two matches.

The Patriots take on St. Francis (Pa.) on Friday and Penn State on Saturday to open EIVA play this season.