Milwaukee City Wire

Following a successful week on the court, Milwaukee junior Natalie Schmitz has been named the Horizon League Player of the Week. Schmitz played a crucial role in helping her team secure a 3-0 record in recent league matches.

Throughout the week, Schmitz accumulated 46 kills with an offensive hitting percentage of .356. The Panthers achieved an average of more than 14 kills per set as a team during this period. Additionally, she contributed five service aces offensively and made 19 digs along with two blocks defensively.

Schmitz's performance included leading Milwaukee to a straight-set victory against Green Bay at home with 13 kills. She then delivered a career-high 19 kills with a .486 hitting percentage and added eight digs in Friday's four-set win over Purdue Fort Wayne. On Saturday, she continued her form by securing another 14 kills and eight digs while matching her season-best of four service aces.

In terms of league rankings, Schmitz is currently placed 12th for both kills (2.92 per set) and points (3.29 per set). Her hitting percentage stands at .226, placing her 17th in the league for this statistic this season. Overall, she has achieved personal bests with 286 total kills averaging 2.92 per set, alongside career-high figures of 23 aces and 91 digs.

This recognition marks Schmitz's first Player of the Week honor in her career and makes her the second Panther player to receive such accolades this season following Kara Erdmann's recognition on October 21.

Milwaukee is scheduled to play its final two road matches of the season against Robert Morris in Pennsylvania on Friday and Saturday. The match at UPMC Events Center will begin at 5:00 p.m. CT on Friday, followed by Saturday's game starting at noon CT.