Nov. 9, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Senior libero BriAnne Sauer was named the Southeastern Conference’s Defensive Player of the Week announced by the league office on Monday. It is the second such honor of the season for the Louisville native, as she first earned the nod on Sept. 28.

Sauer had a tremendous weekend for the Wildcats as she led the team with an astounding 6.86 digs per set and four service aces on the weekend. With three aces against Alabama she matched a career-high total for a single match. Against the Tide she had 25 digs and then she scooped up 23 digs against Mississippi State. With two matches of 20 or more digs, Sauer has now tallied 25 career matches with 20 or more digs.

Additionally, Sauer has tallied 429 digs for the season which is currently the 10th most in a single season in UK history. She continues to increase her career total as she now sits just 17 shy of reaching 1,500 digs for her career.

Sauer’s presence in the back row has been a key factor in UK’s 22-2 overall record and 14-1 clip in league play. UK’s starting libero for the last two seasons is simply having the most spectacular year of her career. In SEC matches this season, Sauer is leading the conference with 5.22 digs per set. The next closest player is averaging 4.93. UK ranks among the top-two in every offensive category, but even more impressively led by Sauer the Wildcats scoop up the second-most digs per set in SEC action with 15.95 digs per frame.

Five UK players have earned SEC weekly honors this season, but Sauer is the lone repeat winner. Both distinctions were the first of her career.

Sauer and the Wildcats will hit the road for the final two-match road swing of the regular season. The Blue and White first travel to Georgia on Friday, Nov. 13 for a 7 p.m. ET match. UK will then take on Auburn on Sunday, Nov. 15 at 2:30 p.m.

For the most up-to-date news, highlights and features about the Kentucky volleyball team please visit UKathletics.com.