Nov. 14, 2011

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ---- Samford's Michaela Reesor has been named the SoCon Freshman of the Week, announced by the league office Monday, thanks to standout performances in this past weekend's matches. This is her second weekly honor this season, having previously won Freshman of the Week on Oct. 10.

In the final weekend of the regular season, the Caledon, Ontario native led the team with 33 kills and a .483 attack percentage, only committing five errors in 58 total attacks. She earned a career-high 18 kills in Sunday's five-set loss to Appalachian State in addition to 16 digs, earning her third double-double of the season. She played a key role on the team's defense this weekend, as her 22 digs is the highest total among Samford's non-defensive specialists.

The outside hitter has become an integral part of the Bulldogs' offense in conference play this season, earning 137 kills on 315 attacks in 16 matches. She is one of four players on the team in triple-digit digs in SoCon matches with 126. Behind the team's two middle blockers, Katie Murphy and Lauren Hutchinson, Reesor is third on the team in total blocks with 30 in SoCon play. She is one of two freshman starters on the team, along with defensive specialist Chelsi Carter.

This is Samford's fifth weekly conference honor of the season. Reesor and Alexis Bauer were named Freshman and Defensive Player of the Week, respectively, on Oct. 10, Hutchinson was named Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 17 and Elizabeth Neisler was named Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 24. Hutchinson and Neisler were also named the September and October Offensive Player of the Month, respectively.

Reesor and the Bulldogs will host the 2011 SoCon Tournament this weekend as the No. 1 seed in the North Division. Samford's first match will be at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 as they face the No. 4 seed in the South Division, Davidson.