VIDEO: Rachel Harper Interview

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Senior outside hitter Rachel Harper (Chattanooga, Tenn.) was tabbed the South Atlantic Conference Player of the Week after her performance in the Route 92 Showdown. It marks the first time a Carson-Newman volleyball player has been named the player of the week since Nikki James on October 3, 2011.

"It's a big honor," Harper said of bringing the award back to Mossy Creek. "It's not an individual honor really, it's a team honor that we accomplished this weekend. Everyone came out strong. I think that everyone gave it 100 percent effort every single play so I'm really proud of my teammates for that."

Harper put up huge numbers as she helped the Eagles to a 3-1 mark in California. She notched 4.21 kills per set on a .328 attack percentage while scooping 2.64 digs per set. The 4.21 kills per set was the best by almost a kill per set of any other player in the conference while her 59 kills were 14 more than the next most.

"Our conference is very consistent and very strong each year," Harper said of how this first weekend sets the table. "It's nice to know that we can be confident as a team going in knowing that we're consistent as individuals and as a team."

The senior put up double figures in kills in each of the four contests including 17 each in the final two matches against Humboldt State and the Academy of Art. After 18 double-doubles in 2013, Harper picked up her first one of the season against Humboldt State with 17 kills and 14 digs.

With a .400 attack percentage with 11 kills, eight digs and three block assists, Harper soared out of the starting blocks in the opener against Notre Dame de Namur. A 14 kill and six dig day rounded out day one of competition.

The first team preseason All-SAC selection surpassed the 900 kill tally for her career with the huge weekend of play. 

- CN -