Women's Volleyball | September 3, 2019

PHILADELPHIA – Volleyball's freshman libero Rachel Hess was named Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week, the conference announced on Tuesday.  

Hess began her collegiate career in blazing fashion, recording 19 digs against Notre Dame – the most by a freshman in the Blue & Gold since 2007 (Kayla Beck vs. Youngstown State). She continued to improve on her dig total, recording 26 in a win against Bowling Green and 27 vs. Wright State. Her total of 72 digs ranked second among all A-10 players over the weekend; no other freshman in the conference exceeded 40. She also had the most digs by an Explorer in the opening three games of a season since 2005 (Carolyn Judge).

Hess was also equally effective receiving serves, recording one error on a conference-high 93 attempts, good for a reception percentage of .989. The rookie was named to the Golden Dome Invitational All-Tournament Team.

How good was Hess' beginning to her career? The last time an Explorer won Rookie of the Week in the first period of voting was Christa Dominick in 2005. The Explorers' number 17 will look to continue her impressive start when La Salle resumes play this Friday.