\NAPERVILLE, IL. – Carroll University defensive specialist and libero Samantha Miserendino has been named the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Defensive Player of the Week after helping lead the Pioneers to a pair of victories last week.

Miserendino anchored Carroll's defense during a 2-0 week that included a four-set conference victory over North Central and a straight-set road sweep at Loras. The junior recorded a team-high 31 digs across seven sets, averaging 4.43 digs per set, while helping the Pioneers limit opponents to a .135 hitting percentage. 

In addition to her defensive efforts, Miserendino played a key role in Carroll's serve-receive success. The Pioneers committed just eight reception errors over the two-match stretch and improved to 2-0 on the week. Miserendino's honor marks Carroll's first CCIW Defensive Player of the Week recognition of the season and comes after a week in which the Pioneers held opponents nearly 90 points below their own attacking percentage (.223 to .135)

The Pioneers will look to stay hot during a busy four-match week that begins with a road contest at UW-Platteville on Wednesday. Carroll then returns to CCIW play Friday night at Millikin before closing the week at the Big Blue Showdown on Saturday with non-conference matchups against Nebraska Wesleyan and DePauw.