CLEVELAND – For the third time this season, Western Michigan fifth-year libero Andelyn Simkins has been named the MAC Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced on Monday afternoon.
 
Simkins was a defensive force for the Broncos in their pair of straight-set victories over Toledo, posting 43 digs (7.17/set) and a .929 reception percentage (13-for-14).
 
The Schoolcraft, Mich., native racked up 25 digs in Friday's series opener, and followed that up with 18 more on Saturday. Simkins' defensive efforts helped limit the Rockets to a .073 hitting percentage for the weekend.
 
After the weekend, Simkins ranks third in the conference and 30th in NCAA Division I at 4.82 digs per set. Anchored by her play, Western Michigan's defense is atop the MAC and 20th nationally in team digs per set with 16.96.
 
Simkins and the Broncos take their six-match winning streak to DeKalb, Ill., on Tuesday night when they take on Northern Illinois. First serve is set for 7 pm on ESPN+.