Blum Picks Up Weekly Big 12 Honor

Sept. 10, 2007

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma volleyball player Mariana Blum has been named the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for the matches of Sept. 4-9, the league office announced.

It marked the first time in her career that Blum has received the honor. Destinee Hooker of Texas was named the Offensive Player of the week.

Blum posted a conference-leading 5.40 digs per game in 10 games, including sweeps of Virginia and UC-Santa Barbara. She also averaged 0.50 blocks on the week. Blum recorded single-match career highs in digs and kills and continues to lead the Sooners with six double-doubles in nine matches this season.

On Friday, Blum registered a match-high 18 digs, 10 kills and three block assists in the 3-0 win over Virginia. Blum followed that performance with a career-best 22 digs on defense and 12 kills to spark the OU offense against UC-Santa Barbara.

In OU's 3-1 loss to No. 18 San Diego, Blum collected 14 digs and three block assists while also notching 18 kills and four aces.

Blum becomes just the second Sooner since 1997 to earn a Big 12 weekly honor as Eliane Santos was named a Big 12 Player of the Week in 2006.

Blum and the Sooners will open Big 12 action this Wednesday at No. 25 Texas A&M. First serve between the Aggies and Sooners in College Station is set for 6:30 p.m.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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