BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — Ike Vernon of the Long Island University men's volleyball team (1-1, 0-0 NEC) was named both the NEC Player of the Week and the league's Rookie of the Week, the conference announced on Tuesday.  

Vernon, a freshman from Provo, Utah, led the Sharks with 37 kills in two matches last week, also totaling nine total blocks, two service aces, and one assist. Vernon led all players in kills in both matches last week. 

Against St. Thomas Aquinas College in LIU's season opener on Jan. 13, Vernon totaled 18 kills on 37 attacks with a .351 hitting percentage, with four total blocks, two digs and one service ace. Vernon followed that up with 19 kills and a .250 hitting percentage against Dominican University on Thursday, with five total blocks, two digs, and one service ace. 

The freshman outside hitter/right-side hitter leads both the NEC and all of Division I men's volleyball in kills per set (5.29), attacks per set (11.57), and points per set (6.21). 

In addition to Vernon, senior outside hitter/right-side hitter Kale Spencer received NEC Prime Performer honors after totaling 26 kills, a .255 hitting percentage, nine digs, six assists, and five service aces last week.