October 16, 2012

COMMERCE, Texas -- A&M-Commerce setter Jordan Neal and libero Michaela Spicer have both earned Lone Star Conference weekly accolades, announced today by the league office. Neal has been named the Co-Setter of the Week while Spicer has been tabbed the Co-Defensive Player of the Week.

Both players played a key role in helping A&M-Commerce to a 3-0 mark last week, notching sweeps over Henderson State, Texas A&M-Kingsville and Incarnate Word. Neal controlled the Lion offense, dishing out 119 assists, averaging 13.22 per set, helping the Lions hit .249 as a team, including .301 against the Lady Reddies. Neal also finished with nine kills, three aces, 32 digs and a block.

On the year, Neal, a two-time All-LSC second team selection, has recorded 770 assists, averaging 10.69 per set, which ranks third in the Lone Star Conference and 21st nationally. Neal has notched 40 kills, 20 service aces, 199 digs and 31 blocks on the year, earning her third Player of the Week honor this season.

Spicer notched her first LSC Player of the Week award following her 62-dig performance over the weekend. She led the way defensively in the pair of victories over Lone Star Conference opponents, notching 22 digs against both the Cardinals and Javelinas while averaging 6.89 per set. It marked the ninth and 10th 20-plus dig effort on the season for Spicer.

Spicer has emerged as one of the top liberos in the league since the start of Lone Star Conference play, notching 210 digs in LSC action and 368 on the year as her 5.11 digs per set average ranks second in the conference and 27th nationally. The sophomore also has 41 assists and 18 service aces so far this season.

Neal, Spicer and the rest of the Lions are getting set to embark on a key three-game LSC road swing, beginning this Friday at Eastern New Mexico, followed by a meeting with nationally-ranked West Texas A&M in Canyon on Saturday. Following a Tuesday match at Abilene Christian, A&M-Commerce will enjoy a major dose of home cooking with five of the final six matches being played at the Field House.

2012 A&M-Commerce Lone Star Conference Players of the Week

Rachel Robertson - Co-Offensive Player of the Week (Sept. 4)
Jordan Neal - Co-Setter of the Week (Sept. 4)
Rachel Robertson - Co-Offensive Player of the Week (Sept. 11)
Jordan Neal - Co-Setter of the Week (Sept. 18)
Jordan Neal - Co-Setter of the Week (Oct. 16)
Michaela Spicer - Co-Defensive Player of the Week (Oct. 16)