Junior middle blocker Shannon Rich helped power the Western New Mexico University volleyball team to a 5-0 start in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play and subsequently was named the RMAC Offensive Player of the Week on Monday.
Rich continued her tear as she led the team in kills (37), hitting percentage (.552) and blocks (10), in leading WNMU to a 3-0 road trip. She had at least 12 kills in every match, going for a high of 13 against South Dakota Mines. She hit .500 or better in all three matches posting a high of .611 against Black Hills State. Of her 10 total blocks, seven came solo as she had three solo blocks against both South Dakota Mines and Black Hills State. In addition she also had two assists, two service aces and four digs. She averaged 3.36 kills and 0.91 blocks per set.
The Lady Mustangs are the only team in the conference that is undefeated and have already matched last year’s win total of 10 this season holding a 10-3 mark. WNMU returns to Drag’s Court this coming weekend when they will open a four-match home stand against Westminster (Utah) on Friday night at 7 p.m.