Kirk, Lopez Garner C-USA Weekly Honors

Oct. 2, 2006

HOUSTON -- Conference USA named Rice's Yvette Kirk the defensive player of the week and Rachel Lopez the setter of the week after the pair helped the Owls to a 2-1 record last week, the league office announced Monday.

The honors are the first for junior classmates Kirk and Lopez.

Kirk averaged 5.73 dpg over three matches and 11 games last week, an increase of 2.0 dpg from her average heading into the week. Her 29 digs against UTEP were two off her overall career best and stands as her best in a four-game match. For the week the junior totaled 63 digs and added three service aces and three assists. With her tally for the week, Kirk not only cracked the Rice top 10 for career digs, but eclipsed the 1,000-dig mark. By the end of the weekend, she was tied for seventh all-time at Rice with 1,036.

Rachel Lopez

Lopez had the best match of her career against UTEP on Sunday, recording highs of 65 assists and 25 digs. For the week, her 13.55 apg was an increase of almost 3.5 apg and her 4.18 dpg was an improvement of more than 1.5 dpg. The junior totaled 149 assists last week, with double-double performances in league matches against Tulane and UTEP. Lopez also notched 12 kills at a .346 hitting percentage and added seven total blocks.

The Owls continue their current home stand on Wednesday when they host crosstown rival Houston at 7 pm at Autry Court.

Calendar

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

Players Mentioned

Yvette Kirk

Rachel Lopez

Upcoming Events

Recent Results

Rice University Athletics