Illinois volleyball’s Brandi Donnelly named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week

Senior Brandi Donnelly picked up Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors Monday afternoon after helping lead the Illini to an undefeated weekend at the Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational.

It is the fourth time Donnelly has won defensive player of the week accolades but her first time since sophomore year.

Donnelly led the Big Ten with 68 digs (5.67 digs per set) over the past week. She added 11 assists and an ace in a 3-0 week for head coach Chris Tamas’ team. The senior had 25 digs in a five-set comeback victory over Missouri State to close out the tournament.

Illinois volleyball currently sits at 9-2 entering Big Ten play. The Illini open conference action with two road matches this week, including Indiana on Wednesday and Northwestern on Saturday.