Kirch, Paolucci Named Student-Athlete's of the Week (Week Ending in 8/28)
MAAC Sports
Male Student-Athlete of the Week
Niels Kirch
Manhattan Men’s Soccer
Sr.—Zulpich, Germany
Manhattan’s top returning scorer, Kirch found the back of the net three times in 2015. His first goal as a Jasper came against Central Connecticut State on Sept. 16, and he also scored at Saint Peter’s (Oct. 7) and Iona (Oct. 28). A two-year starter at Virgina Tech before transferring to Manhattan, Kirch played in 14 games and made 13 starts during his first season in Riverdale. He’s majoring in communications.
Female Student Athlete of the Week
Jessica Paolucci
Volleyball
Sophomore
Libero
Sophomore Jessica Paolucci played in all 13 sets for the Iona volleyball program during its season-opening tournament at Central Connecticut State University. The reigning All-MAAC Rookie Team selection was named to the All-Tournament team for her efforts over the course of the team’s three games.
Poalucci recorded a team-high 51 digs over the weekend, including team-high totals of 15 and 24 against CCSU on Friday, and Lehigh on Saturday. Her effort against the Mountain Hawks in the tournament finale let to a team hitting percentage of .176, the highest of the weekend.
Over the course of three matches and 13 sets played, Poalucci averaged 3.92 digs per set while recording five aces in sixty serve attempts. She had six sets and was responsible for five points scored.