Monday, November 05, 2012

MACON, Ga. (Nov. 5, 2012) – Sophomore Meredith Hardy (Kingsport, Tenn.) helped guide the ETSU volleyball team to a pair of wins this past weekend, resulting in the Blue and Gold securing their spot in the Atlantic Sun Tournament, and the Buccaneer middle blocker was recognized for her efforts as she was named Player of the Week, announced the league office on Monday.

Hardy – who has recorded at least one block in 55 consecutive games – averaged 4.12 kills and 2.12 blocks on the weekend en route to the Bucs defeating Florid Gulf Coast (3-2) and Stetson (3-0).

On Friday, the Kingsport, Tenn. native just missed recording a double-double after totaling a match high 20 kills and nine blocks – including a career-best four solo blocks in the five-set win over Florida Gulf Coast. The win over the Eagles snapped FGCU's school record 15-match winning streak, while it also punched ETSU's ticket into the conference tournament. Meanwhile, Hardy followed that performance up with a 13-kill, 8-block effort in the sweep over Stetson Saturday afternoon inside Brooks Gym – marking the third straight win for the Bucs and the seventh in their last nine matches. 

For the week, Hardy generated 17 of ETSU's 24 blocks, and broke the A-Sun single-season record for total blocks in conference games. Hardy broke Callie Churchwell's (Kennesaw State) record of 88 blocks in 2009 as the Buccaneer blocking machine moved her season total to 90.

This marks the first weekly honor for Hardy and she becomes the second ETSU player to win the award this season. Junior Megan Devine (Kingsport, Tenn.) won the first Player of the Week award of the season back in August.

The Bucs return to action Tuesday night when ETSU hosts Kennesaw State. Game time is set for 7 p.m., inside Brooks Gym.

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