PROVO, Utah — Sophomore opposite hitter Gabi Garcia Fernandez was named a finalist for January's Off the Block National Player of the Month on Thursday. He is one of 31 finalists and one of six in the opposite hitter division.
Fernandez leads the MPSF and is third in the nation in kills per set with a 4.69 average. He had double-digit kills in the first three matches of the season, including a career-high 27 kills in a five-set road victory over Penn State on Jan. 18 to help the Cougars stay undefeated on the month. He also ranks in the top 10 in the MPSF in hitting percentage (.394), service aces (.46), blocks (.92), digs (1.46) and points (5.65).
The National Player of the Month is a two-round tournament with the fans deciding the winner through online voting on the Off the Block website.
Finalists in the first round are placed into one of five ballots based on their position. The five winners on the position ballots will advance to the championship round, along with the runner-up who received the most votes.
The online poll for the first round is now open and closes at 9 p.m. MST Friday. The championship round will be a two-day voting event with the polls closing at 9 p.m. MST Sunday.
While there are several weekly awards in college men’s volleyball, this is the only monthly national award presented in the sport. It is also one of the two nationally awards determined solely by the fans.
Individuals can vote by visiting offtheblockblog.com/playerofmonth.