Posted by Scott Cummings - Wed, Nov 4, 2009 - [ Volleyball ] - Viewed 256 times
Maria Omondi was recognized by the NAIA for her strong showing last week
Maria Omondi was recognized by the NAIA for her strong showing last week
Story Courtesy of the NAIA National Office

(KANSAS CITY, Mo.) - Maria Omondi of Columbia (Mo.) has been named the NAIA Volleyball National Player of the Week, the national office announced Tuesday. Omondi was selected based on her performances from Oct. 26 - Nov. 1. She was chosen out of a pool of conference player of the week selections among 26 conferences.

Omondi posted double-figure kills in five-of-six matches played last week and hit a blazing .539 as Columbia won all six of its contests last week, five of which were via shutout. The senior middle hitter led the Cougar charge against No. 17 Taylor (Ind.), slamming 18 kills in the five-set NAIA Match of the Week victory at the Taylor Trojan Challenge. For her efforts, Omondi was named the Challenge's Most Valuable Player.

The Nairobi, Kenya, native also helped guide Columbia to a pair of American Midwest Conference wins earlier in the week to clinch the Cougars 16th league crown.

Omondi closed out the week with 73 kills, but her play at the net was not limited just to kills. Omondi registered eight solo blocks and assisted on 12 others. She also contributed 12 digs and dished out three assists.

Nationally, Omondi ranks second in hitting percentage at .434 and 19th in blocks per game with 1.23.