KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Hope Jones was the driving force behind a solid week at the net for Texas A&M University-Texarkana, earning PrestoSports NAIA Women’s Volleyball Defender of the Week honors.
The sophomore middle blocker from Richmond, Texas, turned in one of the most impressive defensive performances, totaling 24 blocks (3 solo, 21 assisted) across three matches. Averaging 2.18 blocks per set, Jones anchored the Eagles’ front-row defense and played a pivotal role in limiting opposing attacks throughout the week.
Jones saved her best work for a pair of wins over Our Lady of the Lake (Texas). In a five-set victory, she recorded 11 total blocks, including 10 block assists, while adding five kills. She followed that performance with an even stronger effort in a four-set win the next day, posting 12 total blocks and eight kills while attacking at a .273 clip. Her defensive presence repeatedly frustrated the Saints’ offense and helped Texas A&M-Texarkana secure back-to-back victories.
The sophomore’s impact extended beyond her blocking numbers. Jones contributed 13 kills, 26.5 total points, and six digs during the week. Her ability to alter attacks, close blocks, and create scoring opportunities at the net gave the Eagles a significant advantage in crucial moments.
With Jones serving as a defensive cornerstone, Texas A&M-Texarkana controlled the action above the net and successfully shut down opposing hitters throughout the weekend.
About the NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., is a governing body of small college athletics programs dedicated to character-driven, education-based athletics. Since 1937, the NAIA has balanced high-level competition with holistic student-athlete development through its commitment to The Right Way to Play®. Each year more than 87,000 NAIA student-athletes compete in college athletics, earn over $1.3 billion in financial aid, and pursue opportunities to participate in 30 national championships. naia.org | @NAIA | #TheRightWayToPlay
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