BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State University sophomore outside hitter Ava Crane has been selected as the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Volleyball Defensive Player & Rookie of the Week.

Crane averaged 10.5 kills, 18 digs and 2.5 blocks last week during the Bears' MASCAC title run. The Dartmouth, Massachusetts product also recorded 55 receptions with just two receiving errors.

Crane notched eight kills, 22 digs, two assisted blocks and 24 receptions in a 3-0 semifinal round win over Framingham State; and tallied 13 kills, 14 digs, three blocks (one solo), one ace and 31 receptions in a 3-2 come-from-behind win over Westfield State in the conference championship match. 

Through 22 matches this season, Crane has produced 139 kills, 22 assists, 52 aces, 494 receptions, 302 digs and 17 blocks (five solo). She presently ranks second in the MASCAC in aces per set (0.66), fourth in total aces, fifth in both receptions and digs per set (3.82), and eighth in total digs.

The MASCAC Defensive Player of the Week honor marks the first of Crane's career, while the Rookie of the Week accolade is her second straight and fourth overall. She was also named the MASCAC Rookie of the Week on September 9th, September 23rd and again on November 11th.

The BSU volleball team is currently 13-9 on the season. The Bears will compete in the NCAA Division III Tournament later this week for the first time since 2008 and 11th time in program history. Tournament pairings will be announced later this afternoon.