USC sweeps conference honors


After two more victories this weekend, the USC women’s volleyball team also swept Pac-12 honors Monday following stellar performances from two of its players.

Junior libero Natalie Hagglund was named Defensive Player of the Week while freshman outside hitter Samantha Bricio nabbed Offensive Player of the Week honors for the first time and the Freshman of the Week award for her third time this season.

Hagglund received Defensive Player of the Week honors for the first time in her USC career, becoming the first USC libero to earn the award since Debora Seilhamer in October 2005.

Bricio paced an aggressive USC attack Friday night against Arizona, registering a then-season-high 22 kills to go along with a .475 attacking percentage. She also displayed the all-around talent that has turned heads this season, notching 11 digs for her fourth double double in 17 contests.

Hagglund anchored the defensive side with a consistent effort, notching 17 digs to help the Women of Troy hold the Wildcats to an attacking percentage of .140. The win marked the 11th time the Women of Troy swept an opponent this season.

The two put together an even more impressive performance Sunday against Arizona State, leading the Women of Troy to a 3-1 win. Bricio’s personal record lasted all of two days, as she notched a new career high with 24 kills.

Meanwhile, Hagglund also added 16 digs to complement her .317 attacking percentage. Hagglund seemingly covered the whole court Sunday, recording 32 digs to fall just one dig shy of her personal best.