(Editor's note: Montana State Athletics release)
BOZEMAN -- Montana State senior Allyssa Rizzo has been named #BigSkyVB Defensive Player of the Week, after leading MSU at the Arkansas Classic last weekend in Fayetteville.
Rizzo, a libero from Crestwood, Ill., was named to the Arkansas Classic All-Tournament team after averaging 6.23 digs per set to lead the Big Sky Conference. Against Northwestern State, she fell one save shy of Montana State’s single-match record posting a match-high 37 digs (7.4dps). Against Arkansas, she logged 26 digs (5.2 dps) and Little Rock 18 digs (6.0 dps).
“She’s at that point where she has really mastered her craft,” said MSU head coach Daniel Jones. “Sure, she’s got tweaks to make, and it’s more tactical than technical, so she’s able to step on the court with a lot of confidence and just go out and perform.
“Without a doubt, she was the best libero at last week’s tournament, and she’s very deserving of this honor,” Jones added.
Last weekend, Rizzo also became just the fourth player in MSU history to surpass the 1,500-dig plateau. She needs 172 digs to become the all-time leader.
Montana State will play in the Loyola University of Chicago Hampton Inn Rambler Challenge this weekend.
