MIAMI SHORES, Fla. --- For the first time in his career, Tusculum University men's volleyball sophomore Aiden Roper has been named the Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (IVA) Offensive Player of the Week.

In two matches last week, Roper improved his career high in kills, while also hitting over .300 in each performance. Against Emmanuel, he notched 12 kills, while adding two assists, career-high four service aces, three digs, and two solo blocks in the sweep. The next night against Erskine, Roper upped his efforts with 13 kills on a .391 hitting percentage, four digs, and one solo rejection. On the week, he averaged 4.17 kills, .33 assists. .67 aces, 1.17 digs, .50 blocks, and 5.33 points per set.

For the season, Roper is averaging a per set rate of 3.56 kills on a .356 hitting percentage, .44 service aces, one dig, .33 blocks, and 4.3 points. 

Nationally, Roper ranks 18th in kills per set and 19th in points per set.

Tusculum (2-1) is off to its best start in program history. The Pioneers travel for a rematch with Emmanuel on Friday (Jan. 23) night at 6 p.m.