Sept. 6, 2011

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Junior libero Stephanie Klefot was tabbed the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week it was announced by the league office Tuesday. This is the second consecutive week a UK player has earned a conference honor, and marks the second time in Klefot’s career she has earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors.

Klefot averaged 5.25 digs per set in UK’s 3-1 week, which included a Kentucky Classic crown. The Louisville, Ky., native was picked as the tournament’s most valuable player after she charted more than five digs per set in UK’s three victories.

UK’s top defensive player is leading the conference in digs per set at a 5.17 average. The next closest player is averaging 4.89 scoops per stanza.

Klefot has charted 10 or more digs in all seven matches this season and 11 consecutively dating back to last season. Furthermore, Klefot is a mere 41 digs shy of becoming the 11th player in school history to amass 1,000 or more digs in a career.

Kentucky has now earned conference honors in back-to-back weeks after freshman Jackie Napper was named the conference’s top freshman performer following the opening weekend of the season. Klefot’s honor is the second of her career after claiming the same honor Nov. 15 of last season. She was also the conference’s Libero of the Year a year ago.

Kentucky’s Memorial Coliseum will play host to the NCAA Regionals Dec. 9-10. UK is one of four sites selected for Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matchups with one team advancing to the Final Four in San Antonio, Texas, from the Lexington Region. Tickets are on sale now through the UK Ticket Office.

Visit UKathletics.com for the most up-to-date information on the UK volleyball team and all of Kentucky’s 22 teams.