CLEVELAND – Western Michigan fifth-year libero Andelyn Simkins has been named the MAC Co-Defensive Player of the Week, the conference office announced on Monday. It is her second straight weekly honor.  
 
Simkins racked up 71 digs (5.07/set) to anchor Western Michigan's defense last week. The fifth-year libero started the week with 14 digs and seven assists as the Broncos won at Michigan State in straight sets.
 
The Schoolcraft, Mich., native continued to pile up the digs over the weekend at the Erie Insurance Invitational hosted by James Madison, starting with 15 in the tournament opener on Friday against UC San Diego. Simkins then added 20 on Saturday against High Point and closed out the weekend with 22 on Sunday against JMU. She also went a perfect 14-for-14 on serve receive against the Dukes.
 
Through the season's first three weeks, Simkins ranks second in the MAC and fifth in NCAA Division I with 5.58 digs per set. As a team, WMU paces the league and ranks sixth in the nation with 18.36 digs per set.  
 
Western Michigan closes out non-conference play later this week with a two-match series at #15 Tennessee. First serve for Thursday's series opener is slated for 6 pm.