Last Week’s Stats: .296 hitting percentage, 5.88 points/set, 5.08 kills/set, 2.46 digs/set, 0.69 blocks/set, 0.46 service aces/set
Burns’ sizzling play continued in a crucial week for Saint Francis that culminated in pair of matches against first-place LIU over the weekend. Leading the Red Flash to two clutch wins in that stretch, the Clarion, PA native also helped her squad secure a spot in the upcoming NEC Tournament. Burns, who continues to top the league’s statistics in kills (472), kills per set (5.24), points (513.5) and points per set (5.71), was a workhorse for Saint Francis last week. In a league-leading 152 attacks, the second-most by an NCAA hitter last week, she hit .296 after drilling home 66 kills. In addition, Burns added 32 digs, six aces and nine blocks to that impressive stat line. In Saint Francis’ first game of the week, a 3-1 win at Mercyhurst on Wednesday (Oct. 29), she posted a double-double on 28 kills and 11 digs after posting a .457 attack percentage. Turning the double-double trick once again two days later with 17 kills and 13 digs, she helped Saint Francis become the first team to take down undefeated LIU in a 3-1 final on Friday (Oct. 31). Burns wrapped up her impressive week with 17 kills, eight digs and four blocks in Saturday’s five-set defeat to the Sharks. With this week’s honor, Burns has taken home NEC/Molten Player of the Week distinction a league-leading seven times and with 11 Player of the Week awards, she ranks third in conference history. On the season, the outside hitter is second in the nation in kills per set (5.24), third in kills (472), third in points (513.5) and fifth in points per set (5.71).