SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. – The New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) has announced its weekly awards and Mount Holyoke College student-athlete Sasha Simine was recognized as the Defensive Athlete of the Week in volleyball.
A sophomore middle hitter from Kitchner, Ontario, Simine earned her honor after a spectacular week, playing a critical role in helping the Lyons snap a 25-match losing streak in NEWMAC play dating back to 2014.
In a 3-2 win over WPI, Simine recorded a game-high 15 kills, boasting a .412 hitting percentage, which is her highest total in conference action for her career. In addition, she was also a force defensively, making a match-best five total blocks. She also led the game in service aces with five, also a career-best. Simine then posted five kills and a match-high three blocks as the Lyons shouldered a tough 3-0 loss to #14 MIT.
With her efforts, Simine improved to first in the NEWMAC in blocks per set (.95), and third in the conference in hitting percentage (.326). For the 2017 season, Simine leads the team in kills (98), kills per set (2.51), and total blocks (37).
As a first year in 2016, Simine was top-five in hitting percentage with a .307 total. She also finished tied for seventh in blocks per set with a .77 average.
Mount Holyoke returns to the court on Tuesday, heading to Anna Maria for a 7pm match against the AMCats.
