NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- National recognition has come early in the season for the Tusculum men's volleyball team. Taylor Phillips was selected as the Off the Block National Freshman of the Week, following his impressive collegiate debut.

The Colorado Springs, Colo. libero played in all seven sets to begin his career, totaling 20 digs (2.86 per set) and three assists.

In his first match as a Pioneer, Phillips registered eight digs and a pair of assists at North Greenville. However, his best outing came against the No. 2 ranked team in the NAIA, Campbellsville. Phillips racked up 12 digs and an assist against the Tigers.

In the TU record book, both dig totals are in the top-four of their respective categories. Phillips eight digs in a four-set match is tied for fourth all-time, while the 12 digs are the most in a three-setter in program history.

Tusculum will play its first home match of the season when the Pioneers host the Lees-McRae Bobcats on Tuesday (Jan. 26) at 7 p.m.