Long named GNAC Defensive Player of Week

PORTLAND, Ore. – Jessa Long, the libero for the Alaska Nanooks volleyball team, was named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, Aug. 22. This honor was Long's first in the blue and gold and is the first the GNAC has handed out in the 2022 season.

Long's ability was put on display this past weekend as the graduate-transfer posted 59 digs in four games, helping lead the Nanooks to a 3-1 record to start the 2022 season. Her best performance came in the Nanooks' 3-2, five-set win over Chaminade on Aug. 19, when she posted 20 digs and 18 receptions. Long also added a season-high six assists and one service-ace. She posted 11 digs in the Nanooks' sweep of Hawaii Hilo, 10 in their sweep of Hawaii Pacific and added 18 in four sets in their loss to CUH on Aug. 20.

"We are excited for Jessa and her teammates," said Nanooks head coach Brian Scott. "Jessa had a couple great matches and was instrumental in our defense over the weekend. We're glad to have her as part of our Nanook family."
 
Following the opening weekend, Long has played in all 15 sets, tallying 15 total assists for an average of 1.00 assists per set, 66 receptions with a .909 reception percentage and 59 digs for 3.93 digs per set. 

The Nanooks return to Alaska for the Seawolf Volleyball Invitational in Anchorage next weekend. The team will open at home on Sept. 1 in the Denali State Bank Ice Block Classic. 

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