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• Published: Oct 28, 2009 - Page: 2C

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LSU volleyball middle blocker Lauren DeGirolamo earned Southeasther Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors on Tuesday.

DeGirolamo turned in strong performances for LSU (16-5, 10-2 SEC) in a loss to Kentucky and win over Tennessee.

“Lauren was tremendous this weekend and has found a home on the right side,” coach Fran Flory said. “She worked extremely hard on her defense during her rehab and it has paid dividends allowing her to contribute in all six rotations.”

DeGirolamo averaged 3.56 digs and 1.56 blocks per set this weekend.

Swimming and diving

HAMILTON NAMED SEC MALE FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK: For the second straight week, a member of the LSU swimming and diving teams has been honored by the SEC as swimmer Craig Hamilton was named male freshman of the week Tuesday.

“Craig is definitely performing well for this time of the season,” LSU coach Adam Schmitt said. “I know he will look to continue to improve with each meet.”

Against Auburn on Friday, Hamilton won the 1,000-yard freestyle with a personal best of 9 minutes, 22.42 seconds, the fifth fastest time in school history. He also took first in the 500 free with a mark of 4:34.79.

Soccer

STILL RANKED IN TOP 20 OF POLLS: The LSU soccer team heads into the final weekend of the regular season ranked among the Top 20 programs in the country. The Tigers are No. 16 in the National Soccer Coaches Association Top 25 poll.

The Tigers (11-4-3, 7-2-1 SEC) are coming off their second win this season over a Top 10 opponent with a 1-0 victory over then 10th-ranked South Carolina on Sunday.

The Tigers are also ranked No. 18 nationally in the Soccer Times Top 25 and No. 19 the Soccer American Top 25.

LSU is in position to win its third straight SEC Western Division championship when the team travels to Arkansas in a match set for 7 p.m. Friday. The Tigers can secure another division crown with a win against the Razorbacks.