Senior Taylor Pippen named MVC Defensive Player of the Week

By Elizabeth Robinson
SIUSalukis.com

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Leading into her final home weekend as a Saluki, senior Taylor Pippen was named MVC Defensive Player of the Week for strong performances against Wichita State and Evansville, the Valley announced Monday.

Pippen has continued to put up a strong front at the net, climbing her way up in conference rankings for blocks and leading the Salukis in solo blocks. In SIU’s major five-set victory over Wichita State last week, Pippen led the match with nine blocks, tying for a career high and her highest number this season. Three of Pippen’s nine blocks were solo, contributing to her team-leading 12 solo blocks this season.

Pippen currently ranks second in the MVC against conference opponents with an average of 1.18 blocks per set. Between SIU’s matches against Wichita State and Evansville last week, Pippen totaled 13 blocks for an average of 1.625 per set, 4 digs, 18 kills for an average of 2.25 per set, and hit at a .486 clip. Overall, Pippen has the third-most blocks on the team this season with 90 total. Earlier this season she claimed the top spot in SIU history for career block assists, currently totaling 400 overall.

This is the second straight week the Salukis have earned MVC Defensive Player of the Week after juniorMeg Viggars earned the title last week.