PROVIDENCE, R.I. (SMU) – Janelle Giordano was named American Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week after setting an SMU and conference three-set match record with 12 blocks against Cincinnati, averaging 2.67 blocks per set in a pair of sweeps for the Mustangs.

The junior middle blocker had 16 blocks in the two matches, increasing her season total to 129, tied for 10th in a season at SMU. Giordano also scored 15 kills, hitting .300 on the weekend. A native of Keller, Texas, Giordano ranks in the top 10 in the nation in blocks, and is third in The American with a .393 attack percentage.

Morgan Heise was also named to the weekly honor roll, averaging 6.5 digs per set, with 39 digs in two matches. Heise is second in the conference and ranks in the top five nationally with 5.78 digs per set. The duo combined to hold Cincinnati and Memphis to a .088 attack percentage, with neither team hitting above .100.

SMU improved to 19-3 overall, and leads the American Athletic Conference with a 9-1 record against league opponents. The Mustangs play at Tulsa Wednesday at 6 p.m., starting a stretch of four straight road matches.