River Forest, Ill. – Junior Thomas Hirsch of the Dominican University men's volleyball team was named the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC) Men's Volleyball Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending January 25^th.
 
Hirsch, a Junior Middle from Boise, Idaho played in both matches this past week, both in the starting lineup. In the first game Hirsch and the Stars welcomed Augustana College for their home opener. The Stars swept and dominated on the defensive end with Hirsch leading the way. Thomas collected 7 total blocks, with 1 of those blocks being a solo. This momentum carried into the Saturday afternoon, with Dominican sweeping the Bulldogs of Adrian College. The Junior was all of the floor in this one collecting 7 blocks and 12 kills while holding a .786 hitting percentage. Thomas has started off his junior campaign in a giant way helping the Stars to a 2-0 week and a 3-0 start.
 
Head Coach Doug Burchett commented on Hirsch's NACC Defensive Player of the Week by saying "Thomas had really done a great job of establishing himself as a force at the net on both sides of the game, and in particular his defense this past weekend against Augustana and Adrian.  He's made some major strides in his blocking, and it's great for him to see the rewards of all the hard work he's put in to grow his game. He has the potential to really make a name for himself in our conference and in the country this season." 
 
Hirsch and the Dominican University Men's Volleyball team will be right back in action with their undefeated record on Thursday evening. The Stars will travel to Lakeland University for their first conference game of the season. First serve is set for 6:00 p.m.