FRISCO – East Texas A&M University outside hitter
Ariana Brown has been named the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the first week of the season, while libero
Jade Washington has been recognized as the Southland Defensive Player of the Week on Monday afternoon.
During the Lion Invitational this past weekend, Brown (Conroe) led the team to a 2-1 start, earning a place on the all-tournament team. Over the course of the three matches, Brown accumulated 44 kills, three total blocks, and two service aces. Notably, she recorded 14 kills in a 3-0 win against Texas Southern. In a subsequent match against Southern Illinois, she achieved 15 kills and two service aces, despite the loss. Brown concluded her performance with 15 kills and two blocks in a 3-2 victory over ULM.
Washington (Waco – Midway) totaled 58 digs and three service aces throughout the weekend's three matches. She recorded 14 digs against Texas Southern, followed by 17 digs and one service ace in the match against Southern Illinois. Washington's tournament highlight was her 27 digs and two service aces in the match against ULM.
The Lions finished the week with a 2-1 record at the Lion Invitational, marking the second time in three years they have started the season with such a start.
This recognition marks the first weekly honor of the season for both Brown and Washington, with Washington having previously been named defensive player of the week twice last season.
UP NEXT
The Lions head to New York for the Lou Carnesecca Invitational this weekend, playing UAB and Rider on Friday and the hosts, St. John's on Saturday.
2026 SOUTHLAND VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
-ETAMU-
