SXU's Velez Gains NAIA Men's VB Weekly Honors, CCSJ's Hauze, JU's Wrobel Collect Conference Awards

CHICAGO --- The Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference spread the wealth with its latest round of weekly men's volleyball honors as the three presented awards were distributed to representatives of three different schools on Tuesday afternoon.  Calumet College of St. Joseph's Francis Hauze (Belize City, Belize) was recognized as the CCAC Attacker of the Week, Saint Xavier University's Andres Velez (Toa Baja, Puerto Rico) claimed the league's Defender of the Week award and Judson University's Elijah Wrobel (Bloomingdale, Ill.) came away with the conference's Setter of the Week accolades.

Besides capturing his fourth CCAC Defender of the Week award, Velez was also recognized at the NAIA national level on Tuesday after averaging 4.2 digs and being perfect on 33 receptions last week. 

Both Velez's top dig and reception marks came on Saturday over two matches.  He was 14-for-14 on receptions versus St. Ambrose University and had 17 digs (5.7 avg.) against NAIA No. 4-ranked Lawrence Technological University (Mich.).  Both contests were three-set wins. 

The junior libero had another 13 digs in a three-set decision over Olivet Nazarene University last Tuesday for the No. 2-ranked Cougars, who remain perfect on the season both overall (21-0) and in the league (9-0).

For Hauze, meanwhile, it was the second time he garnered attacker distinction.  This time, it was based on his 5.5 kills per set and .470 hitting percentage to go along with an impressive 10 aces over just 11 sets.  He also totaled 16 digs and two blocks in the three matches.

The senior outside hitter produced no less than 15 kills in any one match, topped by his 30 (6.0 avg.) in a five-set loss to St. Ambrose on Thursday.  One day later, he had 15 kills and seven aces in a three-set win over Viterbo University.

CCSJ's 2-1 week put the Crimson Wave back even in conference play (5-5) and 7-12 overall.

Wrobel was also honored for the second time this season as the league's Setter of the Week.  He averaged 10.2 assists and 1.3 digs over two matches.  He also posted nine kills in his nine sets played.

The senior rang up 54 assists (10.8 avg.) with eight digs and six kills in a five-set win over St. Ambrose last Tuesday before delivering 38 sets in a four-game loss to Olivet Nazarene University on Thursday.

Judson's 1-1 week left the Eagles at 11-11 overall and 5-4 in conference matches.   

Other Attacker Nominees: Caydann Cox (Saint Xavier), Ethan Davis (Viterbo), Elijah Gregg (Judson), Brody McAfee (Olivet Nazarene).

Other Defender Nominees: Jackson Harvey (Olivet Nazarene), Reshawn Allen (Calumet St. Joseph), Max Dugan (Viterbo), Jackson Otto (Judson), Brayden Richardson (Calumet St. Joseph).

Other Setter Nominees: Brayden Richardson (Calumet St. Joseph), Logan Amdur (Viterbo), Will Byers (Olivet Nazarene), Cameron Daniels (Saint Xavier).