University Park, Pa. — Freshman outside hitter Deja McClendon (Louisville, Ky.) was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week, conference officials announced Monday. It is McClendon’s third honor of the season and she shares this week’s award with Illinois libero Jennifer Bonilla.
McClendon helped guide the Nittany Lions to victories at Ohio State and No. 22 Northwestern last week. The outside hitter averaged 3.5 kills and 1.8 digs per set in the victories, both three-set sweeps. In a mid-week match against Ohio State, the freshman finished with nine kills and nine digs before concluding the weekend with 12 kills, two digs and three blocks against the nationally ranked Wildcats.
Other Big Ten honorees in addition to McClendon include Wisconsin’s Allison Wack as Big Ten Player of the Week and Indiana’s Ashley Benson as Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.
Penn State (17-4, 7-3 Big Ten) is back in action Friday, Oct. 29 against Indiana at 6:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to dress up for the Halloween Costume Contest. Penn State then hosts Purdue on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 5 p.m. Following Friday’s match with Indiana, the Blue & White Society and Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics are teaming up to host the traditional "Rally in the Valley" football pep rally at approximately 7:45 p.m.