Men Division III - Eric Rowell

Photo courtesy UCSC athletics.

Eric Rowell, a 6-2 senior setter for then-No. 3 UC Santa Cruz, has been named the Sports Imports/AVCA Men's Division III National Player of the Week for his efforts in leading his squad to a pair of victories last week. Rowell kicked things off by helping UCSC to a sweep of then-No. 2 Springfield, registering 42 assists, six digs, five blocks and two kills in the win. Equally as impressive, Rowell continued play by notching 47 assists, nine digs, four kills and three blocks in a 3-1 victory over California Baptist, the top-ranked team in the NAIA.  For the week, Rowell averged 12.70 assists per game and directed the Banana Slugs' offense to a .358 team hitting percentage. This honor marks the fourth time a player from UC Santa Cruz has received the Sports Imports/AVCA Men's Division III National Player of the Week award, and is the first for Rowell.  The Banana Slugs are coached by Jonah Carson.