NEC Player of the Week: Laydon Biro, FDU
NEC Defensive Player of the Week: Patrick Mullen, DAE
NEC Rookie of the Week: Tristan Rowley, UMES
Previous NEC Releases: January 27 | January 20 | January 13 | Preseason Poll Release

NEC MEN'S VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Laydon Biro, FDU (So., OH)
Skokie, IL/Niles North
Biro powered FDU with a strong all-around performance during the week, helping the Knights post a split while competing in multiple tightly contested sets. The sophomore outside hitter totaled 32 kills (3.56 kills per set), 33.0 points (3.67 points per set), and 17 digs (1.89 digs per set). Biro was at his best in FDU’s win over Roberts Wesleyan, where he recorded 16 kills on .500 hitting, showcasing both efficiency and volume on the pin. His balanced offensive output and back-row presence made him a steady force throughout the week and earned him NEC Player of the Week honors.

NEC MEN'S VOLLEYBALL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Patrick Mullen, DAE (R-So., RS)
Farmingdale, NJ/Howell HS
Mullen delivered a strong two-way effort for Daemen, anchoring the Wildcats defensively while continuing to contribute offensively in their matchup against NJIT. The redshirt sophomore finished with 17 kills (4.25 kills per set), 13 total digs (3.25 digs per set), and 15.0 points (5.00 points per set). 

NEC MEN'S VOLLEYBALL ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Tristan Rowley, UMES (Fr., OH/OPP)
Denver, CO/Vista Peak High School
Rowley compiled 26 total kills (3.71 kills per set), 28.0 total points (4.00 points per set), and hit .431 for the week. The freshman outside hitter continued to impress in his freshman campaign, turning in a standout performance for UMES against George Mason. The rookie attacker recorded 15 kills on 30 attempts, hitting .433, while serving as a primary offensive option throughout the match. 


NEC PRIME PERFORMERS

Patrick Mullen, DAE (R-So., RS)
Mullen finished with 17 kills (4.25 kills per set), 13 total digs (3.25 digs per set), and 15.0 points (5.00 points per set). 

Laydon Biro, FDU (So., OH)
Biro totaled 32 kills (3.56 kills per set), 33.0 points (3.67 points per set), and 17 digs (1.89 digs per set).

Kale Spencer, LIU (Sr., OH/RS)
Spencer finished the week with 28 kills (4.00 kills per set) and 31.0 points (4.43 points per set) for the Sharks.

Ike Vernon, LIU (Fr., OH/RS)
Vernon posted 19 kills (3.17 kills per set) and 22.0 points (3.67 points per set) across LIU’s two matches.

Wojtek Nowak, MAN (Jr., OH)
Nowak contributed 18 kills (3.00 kills per set) and 20.0 points (3.33 points per set) for the Jaspers.

Brady Stump, SFU (Sr., OH)
Stump amassed 44 kills (3.67 kills per set) and 47.5 points (3.96 points per set) while leading the Red Flash offense.

Andre Mills, UMES (Jr., OPP)
Mills totaled 26 kills (3.71 kills per set), 30.0 points (4.29 points per set), and 4 blocks (0.57 blocks per set).

Tristan Rowley, UMES (Fr., OH/OPP)
Rowley finished the week with 26 kills (3.71 kills per set) and 28.0 points (4.00 points per set).

2026 MEN'S VOLLEYBALL WEEKLY AWARD WINNERS:

NEC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jan. 13: Brady Stump, SFU (Sr., OH)
Jan. 20: Ike Vernon, LIU (Fr., OH/RS)
Jan. 27: Kasen Owens, MAN (So., OH)
Feb. 3: Laydon Biro, FDU (So., OH)

NEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Jan. 13: Chase Valentine, UMES (Fr., MB)
Jan. 20: Peter Leicht, DAE (R-So., OH)
Jan. 27: Marcellus Owens, UMES (Fr., OH)
Feb. 3: Patrick Mullen, DAE (R-So., RS)

NEC ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Jan. 13: Chase Valentine, UMES (Fr., MB)
Jan. 20: Ike Vernon, LIU (Fr., OH/RS)
Jan. 27: Ike Vernon, LIU (Fr., OH/RS)
Feb. 3: Tristan Rowley, UMES (Fr., OH/OPP)