UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State’s Ryan Merk was named the EIVA Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season Monday. The honor comes after he earned a spot on the Outrigger Invitational All-Tournament Team this past weekend in Hawaii.
Merk averaged 2.36 digs/set in matches against No. 5 USC, No. 3 Hawaii, and No. 12 Ball State. He was also solid in serve receive, posting a perfect 46-46 mark over the final two matches.
The redshirt junior libero recorded double-digit digs twice during the event, recording 10 against Hawaii and 11 against Ball State.
Merk is now a three-time EIVA Defensive Player of the Week honoree during his career. It is the third time Penn State has won the award this season as Will Kuhns won one in addition to Merk’s two.
Penn State is off this week before returning to EIVA play next week when it hosts Charleston for a pair of matches on March 28-29.