(Posted March 26, 2007)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. - Juniata College junior men's volleyball player Matt Fritz (John Carroll/Churchville, Md.) has been selected as the AVCA/Sports Imports Division III National Player of the Week for his efforts in a pair of victories for the top-ranked Eagles this past week. It is the second time in his career, and first this season, that Fritz has received National Player of the Week recognition. Fritz turned in one of the best all-around performances of his career as Juniata outlasted fifth-ranked Springfield College in five games. He knocked out a career-high 28 kills in the match while recording an impressive .420 hitting percentage. He also posted a season-high five blocks in the contest, and matched his season-best with three aces. Fritz accounted for 33.5 points in the victory. He also contributed 12 kills with a .310 hitting percentage as Juniata knocked off sixth-ranked Stevens Tech. He also added five digs in that victory, and totaled eight digs over the two matches. Fritz finished the week with 40 kills and a .380 hitting percentage, while averaging five kills and 5.69 points per game. \"Matt came up huge for us this weekend, particularly in the Springfield match where we absolutely needed every one of his 28 kills,\" said Juniata Men\'s Volleyball Coach Jeremy Price. \"He really put together some great performances this past week, and I\'m really pleased to see him do the things he\'s capable of doing. Matt is a big part of what we do as a team, and we\'re going to need him to continue to play well as we hit the stretch run of our season.\" After a breakout sophomore season in which he earned Division III All-America honors, Fritz is enjoying another strong all-around year. Through Juniata\'s first 17 matches he ranks second on the team with 233 kills, good for an average of 3.53 per game. He also ranks third on the team in aces and digs, and is fourth in blocks. His 28-kill effort against Springfield was the 14th time this season he posted 10 or more kills in a match, and was the third time he topped the 20-kill plateau. Fritz is second on the team with 267 points, and is averaging 4.05 points per game. With Fritz as a major contributor Juniata is o12-5 on the season and is undefeated against Division III opponents. The Eagles have been ranked first in the CSTV/AVCA Division III Coaches Poll every week during the season. Juniata returns to action Wednesday night with a home match against EIVA Tait Division rival Penn State University. ###

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