JMU roundup: Duo honored in men's soccer

Daily Staff Reports - sports@nvdaily.com

James Madison University men's soccer players Christian McLaughlin and Bjarki A'alsteinsson were honored for their play for the Dukes last week.

McLaughlin was named to the Team of the Week by Top Drawer Soccer and was voted Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week.

A'alsteinsson was selected CAA Rookie of the Week.

McLaughlin scored the game-winning goal in JMU's 1-0 upset of top-ranked (NSCAA) and defending national champion North Carolina on Sept. 11. The senior midfielder converted a penalty kick in the 42nd minute for the only score of the game.

A'alsteinsson was instrumental in leading the JMU defense in last week's games, which included a 2-1 victory over previously undefeated Hofstra on Sept. 15. He won balls in the air, organized the Dukes' defense and was a dominating player at the back.

JMU's next scheduled game is at home Tuesday, Sept. 18, vs. Virginia Commonwealth.

Volleyball

James Madison volleyball junior libero Katie Daorai has been named the Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Week, the league announced on Monday. Daorai is the third JMU player to earn a conference honor this season, and it is her fifth conference recognition overall.

Daorai helped lead her team to a 3-1 record last week. She helped limit opponents to a .150 hitting percentage for the week, collecting 64 digs in just 11 sets played. She was named to the USF Volleyball Invitational All-Tournament team and averaged 5.82 digs per set, including tying her career-high with 31 digs in a four-set win over FIU.

The Dukes' junior libero is averaging 4.50 digs per set this season. She has collected 171 digs in 38 sets played and has already set a new career-high for service aces in a season with 15. Her previous high for a season was 14.

JMU returns to play this weekend as it opens up CAA play on Saturday, Sept. 22 against Georgia State. First serve is schedule for 7 p.m. at Sinclair Gymnasium/Godwin Hall.