Despard Named NECVA Rookie Of The Week

  DESPARD NAMED NECVA ROOKIE OF THE WEEK

CHICOPEE, MA. March 24, 2008 - Elms College freshman middle blocker Curt Despard (Enfield, CT) was named North East Collegiate Volleyball Association (NECVA) Rookie of the Week on Monday, March 24.

Despard converted 22 attacks into 16 kills to lead the Blazers to a 3-2 (26-30, 30-24, 24-30, 30-28, 15-10) upset victory over No. 11 Rivier Monday night.  Despard also tallied five block solos, four service aces, three digs, and an assist in the winning effort.

Despard, who also earned NECVA New England Division top rookie honors, followed Monday's performance by blasting 15 kills on 18 attempts to lift the Blazers over Emmanuel 3-1 (26-30, 34-32, 30-17, 30-16) on Thursday night.  In the victory over Emmanuel Despard added three digs and five total blocks (two solo, three assists).

For the week Despard had just two errors on 30 attempts to record a .725 hitting percentage.  On the season Despard has 48 errors on 449 attempts and currently ranks second among all NECVA players in hitting percentage (.432).

Elms College returns to conference play Tuesday, March 25 when the Blazers host Lesley.  Match time is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.