Volleyball player Amanda Nielson Named First USU Athlete of the Week

Aug. 28, 2006

LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University volleyball player Amanda Nielson has been named the first Utah State Athlete of the Week for the 2006-07 school year. The weekly award is selected by a state media panel.

 

Nielson, who was formerly known as Amanda Orgill before getting married this past summer, was named to the Hilton Albuquerque Classic all-tournament team as she led Utah State to a second-place finish with wins against New Mexico and UC Riverside this past weekend (Aug. 26-27).

 

In USU's final match of the tournament, Nielson recorded a career-high 20 kills, to go along with seven digs, three blocks, and three service aces in the Aggies' three-game win against the Highlanders.

 

For the weekend, Nielson averaged 4.50 kills, 1.75 digs, 0.75 blocks, and 0.38 service aces per game, while hitting .170. The Aggies were 2-1 in the tournament.

 

Nielson, a junior outside/opposite side hitter from West Valley, Utah, is a two-year letterwinner at USU. She was named to the Big West Conference all-freshman team in 2004. Last season she recorded double-digit kills in three matches, including a season-high 12 vs. UC Santa Barbara.

 

"Amanda is doing a great job while learning a new position," said USU head coach Grayson DuBose. "She is working hard and had a very good weekend for us."

 

The Aggie volleyball team will return to the court this weekend (Sept. 2) playing in a tournament at Cal State Northridge. The Aggies will meet both Oregon and Cal State Northridge on Saturday.

 

USU will then open its home season hosting Weber State on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m.

 

 

Soccer — Andra Hansen... Scored her first career goal to lead Utah State to a 1-0 win at Idaho State in the team's season opener on Friday (Aug. 25). The junior midfielder had taken four shots on goal in her first two years at USU.

 

 

Aug. 28 — Amanda Nielson, Volleyball