Spanner, Zell Take POW Accolades

Oskaloosa--A pair of Statesmen helped their team to a big week, and for their efforts they were named Heart of America Athletic Conference Men's Volleyball Players of the Week Monday, presented by BoxOut Sports.

Emilio Spanner (Sr., Sint Eustatius, Sports Management) claimed the Defender of the Week laurel, while Brady Zell (So., Wales, Wis., Business Management) was chosen as the Setter of the Week.  The award is the first for Spanner, while Zell is now a two-time recipient.  The duo led No. 10 William Penn to a 3-1 record last week.

Spanner put up big numbers on the back line (22 digs, 1.69 per set) and at the net (16 blocks, 1.23 per set).  The junior managed eight digs against Mount Mercy last Tuesday and tallied seven blocks versus Dordt last Friday.

Additionally, Spanner was no slouch offensively with 44 kills (3.38 per set) on a .237 attack percentage.

Zell was more than proficient in distributing the ball, finishing the week with 153 assists (11.77 per set) in addition to 29 digs, seven blocks, two kills, and two aces.  The sophomore had a week-best 44 assists against Mount Mercy, but he averaged a week-high 14.0 assists (42 total) in a matchup with Mount Vernon Nazarene last Wednesday.

The setter also recorded a double-double versus Morningside last Saturday with 34 assists and 11 digs.

For the year, Spanner has tallied 190 kills (3.39 per set) on a .259 hitting clip in addition to 88 digs and 50 blocks.

Zell currently has 605 assists with 104 digs and 27 blocks.

The awards are the first two for William Penn this year.