Oct. 24, 2005
San Bruno, Calif. - As a highly-sought after recruit in the Class of 2005, Brittany Lowe knew that she would have a chance to impact the Santa Clara volleyball program this season. An all-around player with the ability to make a difference in all six rotations, Lowe earned a starting spot in the Broncos rotation from the get-go and has made her presence felt on the court. And this weekend was no exception, as the 6-1 outside hitter guided her squad to two important West Coast Conference victories, averaging 4.71 kills and 3.00 digs a game, while hitting at a stellar .350 clip. In addition, she also added five aces and three blocks in the two contests. For her efforts, Lowe was named the West Coast Conference Player of the Week on Monday, the second time this season she has earned the honor and the fifth time a Santa Clara player has won the award in 2005.
"Brittany had a great weekend. She attacked very well both nights and I thought she played great defense," said head coach Jon Wallace. "I'm excited for her. I think she's deserving of this award after coming up big this weekend against two great teams in San Francisco and Saint Mary's."
With wins over San Francisco and second-place Saint Mary's, Santa Clara holds a two-game WCC lead over Saint Mary's and Pepperdine with a perfect 7-0 league record. SCU has won 11 straight matches, dating back to mid-September, and are now 18-1 on the year.
Against the Dons on Friday night, Lowe withstood a hostile road environment to rack up 17 kills on a .364 hitting percentage. With 13 digs, the Yorba Linda, Calif. native recorded her team-leading seventh double double of the season. She also chipped in three blocks and two aces in the 30-23, 29-31, 30-18, and 30-19 triumph.
The following night, the Broncos faced off with the Gaels in Moraga, Calif. in a key conference match and with the top spot in the WCC on the line, Lowe came up huge again for her team, posting 16 kills on a .333 hitting percentage against one of the league's best defensive squads. Many of her kills sparked Santa Clara runs that allowed the visitors to take an important 30-23, 30-27, and 30-24 victory and the precocious freshman ended the match with a thundering kill. In addition to her offensive prowess at the net, Lowe chipped in eight digs and three aces on the night.
As a leading candidate for the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year, Lowe will attempt to solidify her position for the award Friday night when Pepperdine invades the Leavey Center for a 5 p.m. date in another important league match
