Smith named MIAA Specialist of the Week

Sept. 28, 2004 -
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. - The MIAA announced Tuesday that Washburn setter Ashley Smith was named MIAA Volleyball Specialist of the Week. The award is given to the outstanding setter or defensive specialist each week.

Smith, a 5-foot-9 senior from Maple Hill, Kan., averaged 14.67 assists in her first three starts this season as the No. 17 Lady Blues went 3-0 last week. Washburn improved to 17-1 for the first time in school history with the wins.

In her first start replacing injured sophomore Julie Sackman, Smith dished out 41 assists (13.67 per game) with nine digs and a service ace in a 3-0 sweep at Missouri Southern Wednesday (Sept. 22).

She followed up with a 42-assist (14.00 per game), 12-dig and three-kill effort on Friday (Sept. 24) at home against Southwest Baptist. Smith also had two aces and a block assist.

Smith finished on a high note, logging 49 assists (16.33 per game), five digs and four kills in a 3-0 win over No. 18 Pittsburg State Saturday (Sept. 25).
Smith is a graduate of St. Marys (Kan.) High School.

The Lady Blues travel to No. 10 Central Missouri State 7 p.m. tonight. Washburn and Central Missouri are tied for second at 5-1 in the MIAA.