Kadiku Tabbed Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week

NORMAN — Oklahoma volleyball junior Brianna Kadiku has been named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday.

Kadiku's honor is the third straight Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week selection for the Sooners after Keyton Kinley earned the title on Oct. 15 and Oct. 22. This marks just the second time in program history that Oklahoma has claimed three consecutive Big 12 weekly honors, also occurring in 2013 when then-senior Sallie McLaurin was named Offensive Player of the Week three weeks in a row.

A 6-2 middle blocker from Cedar Hill, Texas, Kadiku led the conference with 15 total blocks and 2.14 blocks per set last week. She led the Sooners to a league-best 24 denials and 3.43 blocks per set for the week.

Against Kansas State on Wednesday, Kadiku tallied a career-high 10 blocks, which matches the most in a four-set Big 12 match this year. Her performance led the Sooners to a season-best 19 total blocks, tying a program record for blocks in a four-set contest.

Additionally, Kadiku added a match-high five blocks against No. 8 Texas on Saturday, including four block assists and a solo denial.

Kadiku and the Sooners return to McCasland Field House on Nov. 3 to host Baylor, which received votes in Monday's AVCA Coaches Poll. The match is set for a 5 p.m. first serve, and tickets are on sale now.