McKenna Yates Named SEC Co-Defensive Player Of The Week

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – McKenna Yates was named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week, the Southeastern Conference announced on Tuesday. This is the first player of the week honor in Yates' career.

Yates, a freshman from Ocala, Florida, averaged 5.00 digs per set in a pair of victories against the Southern Miss Golden Eagles, which ranked second in the Southeastern Conference last week. She picked up 35 digs in the two contests, including a career-high 19 in the second match, which led State during the week. On the season, she averages 3.45 digs per set, the most of any Bulldog.

Yates picked up her first career kill against the Golden Eagles, as well as picking up five assists in the two matchups.

"I am so proud of Kenna," head coach Julie Darty Dennis said about the player of the week recognition. "She is a feisty defender who plays super hard and has stepped up into a big role for us. She is working hard, day in and day out, and her effort has not gone unnoticed."

In the Darty Dennis era, this is the ninth SEC Defensive Player of the Week Honor, with Yates being the sixth different player to earn the weekly award. Overall, this is the 20th player of the week honor with Darty Dennis at the helm.

Yates and the Bulldogs open SEC play on Thursday against the South Carolina Gamecocks. First serve is set for 6 p.m. with the match broadcasting live on the SEC Network.

Visit www.HailState.com for the latest news and information on volleyball. Fans can also follow the program on social media by searching 'HailStateVB' on X, Facebook and Instagram.

Mississippi State University Athletics

McKenna Yates Named SEC Co-Defensive Player Of The Week

Players Mentioned

McKenna Yates

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