Sukaj and Heath Sweep PL Weekly Awards

Sept. 29, 2008

WASHINGTON - American University volleyball's Rubena Sukaj and Rebecca Heath have been named the Patriot League Baden Player and Rookie of the Week, respectively, conference officials announced Monday. The pair helped AU to a 3-0 week and wins over conference opponents Colgate and Bucknell.

Sukaj led all scorers in each of AU's three matches last week. On Wednesday against Howard, Sukaj recorded eight kills, two aces and two total blocks as AU won in straight sets, 3-0. In the Eagles PL opener against Colgate, the senior led all scorers again with 11 kills, one ace and three total blocks. Sukaj also chipped in seven digs against the Raiders as AU held Colgate to a .080 hitting percentage in a 3-0 win. Against Bucknell, Sukaj recorded 12 kills on 17 attempts with zero attack errors, finishing the match with a career-high .706 hitting percentage. Sukaj also notched three aces as AU won again in straight sets, 3-0. For the week, Sukaj averaged 3.44 kps, 1.33 dps, 0.67 saps and recorded a .500 hitting percentage. This award is Sukaj's third this season and 11th overall.

Heath scored eight kills, one ace and added four digs in American's win over Howard on Wednesday. Against Colgate, Heath notched 11 kills, one ace and three digs. In the weekend finale against Bucknell, the freshman totaled 10 kills on 16 attempts with one error for a career-high .562 hitting percentage. For the week, Heath averaged 3.22 kps, 1.00 dps, 0.56 saps and recorded a .368 hitting percentage. Heath has been named the PL Rookie of the Week each of the last three weeks.

Sukaj, Heath and the rest of the Eagles will return to action this Friday, Oct. 3, against Lafayette at home in Bender Arena at 7 p.m. The following day, Saturday, Oct. 4, AU will take on Lehigh in Bender at 2 p.m. Live video from both matches will be available via Eagle Vision All*Access by clicking here.