Paxton Ritchey-CSC Sports Information
CHADRON, Neb. – After averaging over five digs per set during a pair of five-set matches, Chadron State standout libero Alondra Hernandez has earned the RMAC Defensive Player of the Week award.
It is the first weekly award win in any category – offensive, defensive or setter – for the Chadron State volleyball program since now-assistant coach Ashton Burditt and Chandler Hageman each won defensive honors during the 2019 season.
Hernandez racked up 27 digs in a five-set win against Black Hills State and 25 digs in a five-set loss to South Dakota Mines, an average of 5.2 per set. The two 20-plus dig performances are the ninth and 10th of the season for Hernandez, who has recorded double-digit digs in all but one of CSC’s matches this season.
The senior has had a phenomenal defensive season for Chadron State. Like she has for much of the regular season, Hernandez currently leads the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference by averaging 4.95 digs per set for the season, a pace that ranks 45th nationally in Division II.
In addition to the digs, Hernandez was also potent from the service line, putting up six total aces over the weekend, including five against Black Hills State. The five aces in a single match is a CSC career high for Hernandez and tied for the second-most in a single contest by any RMAC player in 2024.
Hernandez, who was honored during last Saturday’s Senior Night ceremony, has two matches remaining in her collegiate career as CSC volleyball finishes up the regular season on the road against Colorado Christian this Wednesday and New Mexico Highlands this Friday.