Lindenwood middle blocker Connor Hipelius has been named the MIVA Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced today. It is his first weekly honor of the season and the second for the Lions.

Hipelius helped the Lions to a league win over Quincy and a non-conference sweep of Saint Francis. Against the Hawks, he notched five solo blocks and a pair of digs as the Lions limited Quincy to a .157 attack percentage in the match. The Lindenwood defense was even better against Saint Francis, limiting the Red Flash to a .035 hitting percentage. Hipelius recorded three blocks (one solo) and three digs in the contest.

The Lions return to action this Thursday, March 15 when they travel to McKendree to take on the Bearcats. First serve is set for 7 p.m.