BRIDGEWATER, Mass. -- Bridgewater State University junior outside hitter Ava Crane has been selected as the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week.

Crane averaged 14.3 digs, 12 receptions and 1.3 blocks in a perfect 3-0 week for the Bears which included a pair of MASCAC wins over MCLA and Fitchburg State. The Dartmouth, Massachusetts native also averaged seven kills and 4.3 aces on the week.

Crane notched 11 digs, 11 receptions and an assisted block to go along with seven kills and three aces in a 3-0 victory over the Trailblazers; 12 digs, seven receptions and two blocks (one solo) as well as eight kills and four aces in a 3-1 non-conference triumph over Mitchell; and 20 digs, 18 receptions and an assisted block in addition to six kills and six aces in a 3-0 road win over Fitchburg State as the Bears secured the MASCAC regular season title outright.

Through 19 matches this season, Crane has produced 152 kills, 29 assists, 48 aces, 262 receptions, 221 digs and 20 blocks (four solo). She presently ranks second in the MASCAC in aces per set (0.70) as well as fifth in points per set (3.31), sixth in hitting percentage (.236), seventh in digs per set (3.45) and ninth in kills per set (2.38).

In 41 matches over her first two seasons with the Bears, Crane has amassed 294 kills, 51 assists, 102 aces, 529 digs and 37 blocks (eight solo).

The MASCAC Player of the Week honor marks the third of Crane's career and second defensive distinction. She also earned defensive player of the week accolades on September 18th of 2024 and was the offensive player of the week back September 29th of this year.

The BSU volleball team wrapped up the regular season with an overall record of 15-4 including a perfect 8-0 MASCAC mark as the Bears captured their 19th conference regular season title and first since 2008. Bridgewater is the top seed in this week's MASCAC Tournament and will host a semifinal round game on Thursday night at six o'clock.