After an impressive weekend, the rookie, Emma Hanson, was named OVC Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced today. The newcomer earns her first OVC weekly award and the team's first OVC award of the 2026 season. 

Hanson was a vital piece to the Panthers' defense, starting in all three matches over the weekend. In 11 sets played, she totaled a team-high 15 blocks (1.36 B/S). Hanson also produced 11 kills and a .273 hitting percentage.  

Hanson and the Panthers will be back in action this weekend at the BYU/Utah Nike Invitational.