After leading the team with 50 digs over the course of three matches this weekend, sophomore Ashley Potts has been recognized as the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

The award, the first in her time at WKU, is the second conference honor that a member of the Lady Toppers has received this season. Senior Tiffany Elmore was awarded Sun Belt co-Player of the Week last week.

Potts’ play helped the Lady Toppers go 2-1 at the Kentucky Classic in Lexington where WKU beat Virginia Tech and Ohio. She recorded a weekend-high of 22 digs against Ohio.

Her play also earned her a spot on the Kentucky Classic all-tournament team, along with junior Jordyn Skinner.

Potts started at the libero position in all three matches, as she has in every match this season. Head Coach Travis Hudson said he made the decision to start her there this season after her strong defensive play in the Lady Toppers’ preseason.

Potts has now totaled 107 digs in six matches. Her digs-per-set rate of 5.35 leads the Sun Belt.

The Lady Toppers face Lipscomb Tuesday night in Nashville, then will play host to Xavier, Wake Forest and LSU this weekend at the WKU Tournament.