Thundering Herd Volleyball Nets Three C-USA Weekly Honors

DALLAS – Marshall Volleyball saw three of its student-athletes secure weekly honors from the Conference USA office on Tuesday.

Ciara Debell and Sarah Schank were named Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, while Sydney Lostumo was tabbed as the league's Setter of the Week.

Debell took charge for the Herd in the weekend sweeps against Florida Atlantic. She totaled 27 kills, 4.50 per set, hit .329, 19 digs, 3.17 per set and two aces. In the first match, she helped Marshall bounce back from last Monday's loss at Middle Tennessee, leading the team with 13 kills and nine digs, playing the first two sets without an error. In the Monday matchup, the redshirt senior played even better, leading the team once again with 14 kills, hit .394 for the match, and had just one error in 33 attacks. She tallied five kills in the first set, including three straight that gave the Herd the lead for good. She also recorded her 1,000th kill in a Marshall uniform and now has 1,098 in her career (86 at FGCU). The Ocala, Florida native helped Marshall take charge in the second set, scoring three kills again as the Herd began the period on a 5-0 run. Debell also recorded 10 digs for her seventh double-double of the season.

Schank held a steady defensive presence during the Herd's two sweeps over FAU. She led the team with 31 total digs, an average of 5.17 per set. In the first match, Schank recorded 14 digs, three assists and two aces. In the second meeting, the junior led again with 17 digs, an average of 5.67 per set. Schank was also a perfect 18-for-18 in receptions. Her defensive leadership was crucial for the Herd to be in the correct position throughout both matches. Her control on the dig and receptions helped turn the ball back to the offense.

Lostumo also had an excellent weekend, totaling 70 assists in six total sets for an average of 11.67 per set. She added 13 digs, six kills, six aces and four total blocks. In the Sunday match, the Gilbert, Arizona native had 30 assists and was very effective when she opted for the quick attack. Lostumo tallied five kills in eight attacks, no errors, and hit at a .625 clip. In the Monday match, she turned to setting up her teammates and finished with 40 assists, 13.33 per set, and had seven digs. She was also lethal from her serve with six aces. Lostumo had four aces alone in the third set, including three at the beginning, as Marshall rolled out a 5-0 run to begin the final frame. Her six aces were a career-high and good for ninth-best all-time in a single match in team history. Lostumo also stepped up at the net and helped block with three total blocks.

"I am so happy for Ciara, Sydney, and Sarah on these well-deserved accolades," said Marshall head coach Ari Aganus. "Each of these young women work tirelessly, day in and day out. They lead our program, both on and off the court, and give everything they have in their tanks … every opportunity in which they are presented! Since our season started, the growth of each of them has been such a joy to watch. The hard work in the gym is paying off and I'm excited to see where these three continue to lead our team."

The Thundering Herd is currently 8-4 on the season (6-4 in league play) and will wrap up its regular season at Old Dominion Sunday and Monday. Both matches are scheduled for a 1 p.m. start and will be broadcast by CUSA.tv.

Thundering Herd Volleyball Nets Three C-USA Weekly Honors

Players Mentioned

Ciara DeBell

Sydney Lostumo

Sarah Schank

Marshall University Athletics