The best players rise up for the best challenges. Such was the case for Aleksandra Kazala when her American University volleyball team played host to fifth-ranked Penn State on Saturday night.
Kazala posted her third double-double of the season and led the Eagles to a 25-16 win over the Nittany Lions in the third set before AU lost, 3-1, to Penn State. Kazala's strong performance earned her the GEICO Student-Athlete of the Week honor for the period ending Sept. 17.
Kazala, a senior outside hitter from Debica, Poland, matched her season-high with 19 kills and posted a new season-high with 18 digs against PSU. Earlier in the day, she had 17 kills in a sweep of Howard that ended a four-match losing streak by American.
She was selected to the All-Tournament Team at the American Volleyball Classic.
Now sixth on AU's career kills list, Kazala is seventh in career kills nationally among active NCAA Division I players.
American opens Patriot League play this weekend, traveling to Lafayette on Friday at 7 p.m. before facing Bucknell on Saturday at 2 p.m.
American begins the Patriot League portion of its schedule on the road next weekend, traveling to Lafayette on Friday evening at 7 p.m. and Bucknell on Saturday at 5 p.m.
The Eagles return home on Saturday, Sept. 29 to face Loyola Maryland at 4 p.m. and on Sunday, Sept. 30 for a 2 p.m. matinee with Navy.
TICKETS
Tickets to all AU volleyball matches at Bender Arena are available throughout the season.
- Bring a group of 10+ and save over 40 percent off your purchase, available at $3 per person
- Individual game tickets are available for $8 for adults, $5 for general admission, youth under 17 and seniors over 65. Military members, veterans and AU students are invited to join the Eagles for free admission with valid ID.
- CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS
- For inquiries, e-mail clawed@american.edu or call 202.885.TIXX (8499).
For the latest on American University Volleyball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter @AU_Volleyball.