Last Week’s Stats: 3.81 digs/set, 1.44 assists/set, 0.44 service aces/set
In addition to helping lead NEC newcomer New Haven to its first-ever victory as a Division I program, Malinoski also made history on Tuesday by becoming the first Charger to earn a weekly award from the NEC. The sophomore libero/defensive specialist earned NEC/Molten Defensive Player of the Week accolades after she topped the league’s charts this past week with 61 total digs and 3.81 per set. She also added 1.44 assists per set and seven aces to her impressive defensive numbers. A product of Homer Glen, IL, Malinoski was outstanding on Friday against Columbia in the opening match of the Big Apple Tournament. Posting a double-double with 14 digs and 12 dimes, she rocketed five service aces to lead the Chargers to the four-set triumph over the Lions. She registered double digits in kills in each of New Haven’s four matches during the week, including a season-best 21 on Wednesday at New Hampshire. Malinoski enters the third week of the season as the NEC’s leader in digs per set with 3.81, while her 0.44 service aces per set are good for fourth in the league.