Oct. 13, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Sophomore Sarah Mendoza has been named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Volleyball Player of the Week for the second time this season, as announced by the league office Monday.

In road matches, Mendoza helped No. 25 Kentucky climb out of a 2-0 set hole against No. 9 Florida to force a fifth and deciding set against the Gators for the first time since 2006. It was the first time the Wildcats had claimed a set on the road at Florida since 1994.

She also helped the Wildcats sweep South Carolina 3-0 to take over the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Division. Mendoza etched her fourth career double-double with 16 kills and 11 digs against the Gators, while leading the team with 20.5 points on the night. She recorded another double-double effort against South Carolina with 12 kills and 12 digs, good for 12 points. Mendoza averaged 2.88 digs per set and a team-high 3.50 kills for the week.

This is the second time this season that the sophomore from Winter Park, Fla., has been tabbed as the SEC’s best offensive player for the week. She previously earned the honor on Sept. 22, after guiding UK to opening SEC weekend victories over Alabama and Mississippi State.

This is the third conference honor for Mendoza in her career. As a freshman, Mendoza was selected as SEC Freshman of the Week after averaging 3.50 kills per set on .375 hitting and recording a then-career high 16 kills against Auburn.

Kentucky returns to action Friday, when they play host to Arkansas. Match time is set for a 7 p.m. start.

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