SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (Oct. 25, 2011) - First year Mollyanne Fitzpatrick has earned the Lyon of the Week Award for the week of October 17-23 after leading the volleyball team to wins over Smith College and Gordon College. Over the course of the week, the setter averaged 5.33 assists and 2.47 digs per set.

Fitzpatrick got her week going with 20 assists and 10 digs in Mount Holyoke's thrilling 3-2 triumph over longtime rival Smith on Tuesday. After splitting the first two sets, the Lyons gained the upper hand with a 25-21 win in the third. They dropped the fourth set 26-24 and trailed for much of the fifth before rallying back for a 15-10 triumph. Fitzpatrick served out the match with five consecutive points. It was Mount Holyoke's first victory over the Pioneers since the 2001 season.

The setter continued her strong play over the weekend, when the Lyons hosted the 20th annual Volleyball Hall of Fame Women's Invitational. She was named to the All-Tournament Team after racking up 60 assists and 27 digs in three matches.

Fitzpatrick was at her best in her team's 3-1 triumph over Gordon on Friday night. In addition to dishing out 24 assists, she also came up with 11 digs.

The setter came up with her third double-double of the week on 20 assists and 10 digs against Westfield State University Saturday morning. Later that day, she tallied 16 assists and six digs against Colby College.

Fitzpatrick has made an immediate impact for the Lyons during her rookie campaign. In addition to recording 3.99 assists and 1.82 digs per set, she has also collected 32 service aces in 23 matches.

Mount Holyoke (9-14, 2-5 NEWMAC) is slated to host nationally ranked Springfield College this evening at 7:00 p.m.

Lyon of the Week Archive