LANCASTER, Pa.- Junior outside hitter Melissa Benkowitz was named the Centennial Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the first time in her career, becoming the second Diplomat to earn the honor this season.

Benkowitz contributed across the court in a 2-1 week for the Diplomats last week, averaging 4.61 points, 3.56 kills, 2.89 digs and 1.00 aces per set across nine sets. Her best match came in Saturday's sweep of Keystone, as she hit .611 with 11 kills, a season-high six aces, six digs, and one block assist with a season-high 17.5 points. Against No. 9 Washington and Lee on Saturday, she posted a season-best 13 kills with a .344 hitting percentage and 12 digs. In Wednesday's sweep of DeSales, she posted three aces, eight kills, and eight digs. 

Among Centennial Conference players, Benkowitz currently ranks fifth in kills per set (3.07) and seventh in points per set (3.57).

This marks back-to-back weeks where Diplomats were named Offensive Player of the Week after Carly Campbell earned the honor one week ago.

The (RV) Franklin & Marshall volleyball team (8-1) travels to Gallaudet this Friday, September 19 and Saturday, September 20, where they will face tournament hosts Gallaudet, Mary Washington, No. 8 Hope, and Mount Union.