Three Purple Knights Earn Weekly East Coast Conference Women's Volleyball Awards

West Babylon, N.Y.-Three members of the University of Bridgeport women's volleyball team have been recognized by the East Coast Conference for their outstanding play in the Purple Knights' season-opening victory over Southern Connecticut State University last Thursday.  Junior Emily Burford (Albuquerque, N.M.) was named conference Player of the Week, freshman Amanda Keller (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) earned the ECC's first-ever Defensive Player of the Week nod, and senior Ellie Rich (Highlands Ranch, Colo.) was selected as the East Coast Conference Setter of the Week.

Burford helped UB to an impressive four-set victory over Southern Connecticut State in the team's season opener last week leading Bridgeport in kills with 13, as she hit .333.  She also chipped in five digs, two service aces, two blocks and one assist.

Keller came up big in her Bridgeport debut, helping the Purple Knights top Southern Connecticut State in four sets with her dominant play at the net. Keller registered eight blocks (two solos) and added four kills and one service ace in the victory.

Rich began her senior season in the Park City in fine fashion, notching a double-double with 34 assists and 13 digs to help UB to a four-set victory over Southern Connecticut State in the team's only action last week. Ellie also chipped in four kills without an attack error, two blocks and a service ace for the Purple Knights.

This weekend, the UB women's volleyball team will be in action at the Barry University Invitational in Florida on Friday and Saturday.  While in the Sunshine State, the Purple Knights will face Saginaw Valley State, play a rematch with Southern Connecticut and face Texas A&M Kingsville and host Barry.

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