Last Week’s Stats: .331 hitting percentage, 7.25 points/set, 6.40 points/set, 1.50 digs/set, 0.50 blocks/set
After a one-week hiatus, Burns reclaimed NEC/Molten Player of the Week distinction for a league-leading fifth time this season. The veteran outside hitter crafted another sensational stretch of play last week to lead Saint Francis to three wins over conference competitors and preserve the Red Flash’s perfect record in NEC play (7-0). In a straight-set win over Mercyhurst on Tuesday and a weekend sweep of New Haven, Burns combined for 64 kills with 20-or-more in each of those three matches. In addition, the Clarion, PA native’s 7.25 point-per-set and 6.40 kill-per-set averages were the second-best marks among all Division I players last week. Burns also contributed to Saint Francis’ defensive efforts with 10 digs and five rejections. Her week was highlighted by a dominant performance against the Lakers that saw her hit .410 with 22 kills, the second-most by an NEC player in a three-set match this season. She closed out the week with 21 kills and three blocks in Saturday’s series final against the Chargers, a 3-0 triumph. With eight career NEC/Molten Player of the Week awards, Burns ranks fifth in NEC annals. She enters the week ranked second in the nation in total kills (363), second in points (391.5), third in kills per set (5.26) and sixth in points per set (5.67).