DeKALB – NIU volleyball’s sophomore libero Francesca Bertucci is the Mid-American Conference’s Co-West Defensive Player of the Week for the third time this season, the conference announced Monday morning.

Bertucci split the honor with senior libero Maggie Huber from Ball State University.

Bertucci was awarded the honor after logging her 1,000th career dig during Friday’s match against Central Michigan University. She also had a total of 49 digs for the weekend – 30 on Friday and 19 on Saturday. Her 49 digs were match highs for the weekend with only two errors.

This marks her fifth career MAC West Defensive Player of the Week selection. She received two last season and three so far this season. Her defensive presence has played a major part in the Huskies’ success, leading the team with 513 digs and an average of 5.36 digs per set.

The Huskies will continue their season this weekend in a west division matchup against Eastern Michigan University at 6 p.m. Friday in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Both matches of the two-match series will be streamed on ESPN3. Live statistics can be monitored at SIDEARM Sports.