Bateman named Conference Player of the Week


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Senior All-American Kendall Bateman was named the Bank of the West Pac-12 Women’s Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week for the week of Sep. 19-25 after helping lead the volleyball team to wins over the two top-ranked teams in the country.

A setter, Bateman posted at least 40 assists in both 3-0 sweeps over then-ranked No. 1 California and No. 2 Stanford, averaging 13.83 assists per set.

The wins helped boost USC seven spots to No. 5 in this week’s AVCA Coaches poll after being ranked No. 12 last week.

Bateman played a big part in directing the offense in both wins.

The second team All-American had 42 assists, seven digs and two blocks against the top-ranked Bears on Friday before recording 41 assists, nine digs and one block against the Cardinal to run USC’s win streak to four matches.

Weekly awards are given to the best offensive player, defensive player and freshman in the Pac-12.

Bateman’s achievement marks the first time a USC player won any of the awards this season, which have been given out for five weeks now.

USC middle blocker Hannah Schraer was nominated for the Freshman of the Week award, but lost to UCLA middle blocker Zoe Nightingale.

UCLA outsider hitter Kelly Reeves won the Pac-12 defensive player of the week.