Inside the ACC: Walch, DeJong named volleyball Players of the Week

Florida State junior outside hitter Nicole Walch and Louisville freshman middle blocker Maggie DeJong have earned this week’s Atlantic Coast Conference volleyball honors, as Walch was named Player of the Week and DeJong was tabbed Freshman of the Week.

Walch, who was All-ACC Second Team last season, led the Seminoles to a 2-0 record over the course of the weekend. First, the ‘Noles upset No. 7 Nebraska in Lincoln, in front of a crowd of 8,854 before rolling over Iowa State on Sunday. Walch led the attack in both matches, accounting for 18 kills in each match. In the marquee victory against Nebraska, Walch recorded a double-double, as her 15 digs contributed to the team total of 72. On Sunday, the Cyclones had no answer for Walch as she carried the ‘Noles with a .469 hitting percentage.

“Nicole played very well for us this weekend,” FSU head coach Chris Poole said. “In order for our team to have success this season, Nicole knows she needs to step up and be a leader and she did a very good job of that this weekend. I am very proud of her.”

“This weekend was awesome,” Walch said. “We played very well and that was huge for us. This is such a great honor and a good way to start off the season.  Hopefully we can continue to play well as we get ready for Florida on Thursday.”

DeJong was instrumental in the Cardinal’s upset win over No. 12 Minnesota in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge Saturday night in Minneapolis. Louisville had four players record double-digit kills for the match, including DeJong with 11. Maggie hit a blistering .567 for the weekend, including a .700 outing against No. 6 Wisconsin.