Date Posted: 11/5/2007

MACON, Ga. – Despite struggling through much of its first season as a Division I member, USC Upstate won three straight matches last week, including its first-ever weekend conference sweep, and freshman Sandra Campbell’s play keyed the Spartans’ unprecedented success. Campbell’s stellar performances earned her the first Player of the Week honor of her career, the conference office announced Monday.

The Orlando, Fla. native posted her first career double-double Friday night in the Spartans upset victory against Mercer. The Bears entered the match 6-3 in A-Sun play, and could have earned the number two seed in next week’s conference tournament with two weekend wins and help, but Campbell’s 17 kills and 10 blocks powered the Spartans to a five-game upset victory. The freshman capped her week with a 12-kill, .400 hitting percentage performance against Kennesaw State in the Spartans sweep Saturday afternoon. For the week, Campbell hit .429 with 39 kills and 16 blocks.

The Atlantic Sun Conference is a 12-member league committed to Building Winners for Life, with a focus on academic and athletic integrity and a balance between the two for the student-athlete, and maintaining a high level of sportsmanship. Headquartered in Macon, Ga., the A-Sun encompasses six of the top eight media markets in the Southeast. The A-Sun consists of some of the most dynamic private and public institutions in the region: Belmont University, Campbell University, East Tennessee State University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Gardner-Webb University, Jacksonville University, Kennesaw State University, Lipscomb University, Mercer University, University of North Florida, University of South Carolina Upstate and Stetson University.

Other Top Performers

Roberta Santos, Florida Gulf Coast (Jr. – S – Recife, Brazil – Resort & Hospitality Management) – Led FGCU as the Eagles clinched the regular season title, with 24 kills and 46 assists for the week.

Carrie Long, Gardner-Webb (Fr. – OH – Franklin, N.C. – Undeclared) – Posted career-highs of 10 kills and nine blocks as the Bulldogs clinched the final spot in next week’s conference tournament with a sweep of Lipscomb.

Kaena, Apana (Sr. – LIB – Waianae, Hawaii – Interdisciplinary Studies) – Broke the A-Sun record for digs in a season against Kennesaw State, currently ranks eighth in the nation in digs per game.

Related Links:
 • This Week in A-Sun Volleyball