For Valpo volleyball freshman libero Emma Hickey (Granger, Ind./Penn), a memorable first weekend of collegiate competition culminated in yet another award on Monday, as Hickey was named Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the opening weekend of action.

Hickey stepped right into the starting libero spot in her first collegiate action, earning All-Tournament Team honors as she helped lead the Beacons to the Youngstown Invitational title. Hickey opened her career with a match-high 22 digs to go with five assists in the win over Delaware State, and followed by tying for team-high honors with nine digs in the sweep of Idaho. In the title match versus YSU, Hickey delivered a match-best 28 digs and added six assists as well.

For the weekend, Hickey averaged 5.36 digs/set — second-most in the Valley — and helped limit Valpo's opponents to just 9.73 kills/set.

Hickey and the rest of the Beacons go for their second straight tournament title this coming weekend as Valpo hosts the Popcorn Classic. Tournament action begins Friday morning at 10 a.m.