Oct. 14, 2002

Columbia, S.C. –
Sam Alban earned SEC Player of the Week for the week ending Oct. 13, after leading the Gamecocks (14-3, 7-0 SEC) to a 2-0 record against Kentucky and Tennessee. The Portage, Mich. native posted a career high 21 kills against Tennessee. She also recorded a season high five blocks against the Lady Volunteers. The senior middle blocker now ranks 10th all-time on USC’s all time block assists list.

In the thrilling 3-2 win over Tennessee, Alban led the Gamecocks’ rally and hit 1.000, a perfect 4-4, in the critical game five of the match, extending USC’s winning streak to nine straight home victories for the season. The win also extended USC’s conference win streak to 7-0.

Alban hit .421 and had 4.00 kills per/game against Kentucky and Tennessee. Alban also had 0.75 blocks per/game. Alban was the only Gamecock to record double figure kills in both matches this week as she also recorded 11 against Kentucky. With her 21 kills against the Lady Vols, Alban is only the second Gamecock to reach the 20-plus kill mark this season.