WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Junior libero Amanda Neill was named as the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Week for her efforts in sweeps of Maryland and Northwestern last week.
Neill paced the Boiler defense, averaging 4.33 digs per set, while also serving up four aces and making good on all 22 of her serve reception chances. The Lafayette, Ind., native helped Purdue to a .398 hitting percentage on the week, including three sets of .500 or better efficiency.
Against the Terrapins, Neill managed a match-high 10 digs and converted on all eight of her serve reception chances as the Boilers hit at a .373 clip in the match. The junior also managed two assists and served up an ace.
Against Northwestern, she pulled up a team-best 16 digs and helped Purdue to a .419 hitting effort, making good on 22 reception attempts. Neill also served up a season and career best three aces and dished out two assists in the sweep.
This is the first Big Ten weekly honor for Neill and the first for a Boilermaker since senior Val Nichol was named Big Ten Setter of the Week, Sept. 1.
Purdue plays its final home match of the 2014 season at 7 p.m. Wednesday vs. Rutgers. A senior night ceremony honoring Nichol and KiKi Jones will take place immediately following the match.