Nov. 17, 2008

Contact: Greg Murphy

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland State sophomore middle hitter Amy Benz has been selected as the Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week for her performance at Youngstown State on Friday (Nov. 14) night.

The league office made the announcement on Monday (Nov. 17) afternoon.

"This is a well-deserved honor for Amy," head coach Chuck Voss said. "She has really been consistent not only on defense this season, but also offensively. She has had a great season for us and I expect some more good things from her this weekend in the league tournament."

A native of Tiffin, Ohio, Benz notched Defensive Player of the Week honors after helping Cleveland State to a four-set win over Youngstown State (22-25, 25-20, 25-14, 25-22) on Friday.

Benz paced the Horizon League in blocks per set (2.00) last week. The middle hitter denied eight attacks against the Penguins.

For the season, Benz ranks second among sophomores in the conference and third overall with 1.02 blocks per set (103 blocks, 101 sets).

The Vikings, 8-18 overall and 7-9 in league play, have won four of their last six matches.

CSU, the sixth seed in the upcoming Horizon League Championship, opens play in the quarterfinal round on Friday, Nov. 21, when CSU plays third-seeded Wright State at 7:30 p.m. in Woodling Gym.