Springfield, Mass. – October 11, 2010 – Freshman Tessa Smolinski was named the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Women’s Volleyball Player of the Week after guiding Springfield to a 4-0 week as it improved to 22-2 on the season.

Smolinski had a breakout week for the Pride as she hit a remarkable .537 in 12 sets played. The first-year outside hitter from Hebron, Conn., totaled 33 kills on the week, averaging 2.75 per set, to go along with 26 digs, 2.17 per set. She also chipped in with six aces.

Smolinski’s top performance came in a 3-0 sweep of Smith when she recorded 13 kills on 16 errorless swings to hit .812 in the conference win. She later added eight kills at a .536 clip against Westfield and 10 kills in the championship match of the Tom Hay Invitational, while hitting .471.

For her efforts, Smolinski picked up All-Tournament Team honors, this first such award of her young career.