Nellis named GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week
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HOUGHTON -- Michigan Tech Huskies junior libero Keeley Nellis has been named the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday.
Nellis, a transfer from Lamar University in her first season with Michigan Tech, led the Huskies with 47 digs last weekend, averaging 5.22 digs per set. She tallied 25 digs at Davenport on Friday and 22 in a win at Saginaw Valley State on Saturday.
"We spent almost the entirety of our spring working on our backcourt defense, improving our range, improving our touch," Huskies coach Cindy Pindral said. "Keeley has been a very welcome addition to that. She’s like a machine back there. When she’s on, it’s like every ball is up, and it’s not just up, but it’s up and in a good spot."
Nellis ranks second in the GLIAC in total digs (179) and fifth in digs per set (4.16). She has hit the 20-dig plateau five times in 2026.
"Our conversion rate, meaning that, we’re getting a quality kill or at least a quality attack, we’re putting the opponent out of system," said Pindral. "Keely’s conversion rate when she’s digging the ball is very high. So, we are very happy that teams continue to hit at her."
Pindral also loves how much energy Nellis brings to the team, both on and off the court.
"She provides a lot of, I would say, energy management," Pindral said. "Sometimes we need a boost in energy, and she’ll give whatever that is. Sometimes we need to calm down and just focus on our fundamentals, or whatever it is. She’s a good temperature gauge of keeping everybody kind of on the right track and all that stuff."
Up next
Michigan Tech is 5-5 overall and 1-1 in the GLIAC. The Huskies return to the SDC Gym this weekend to host Ferris State Friday at 6 p.m. and Davenport Saturday at 4 p.m. on Alumni Weekend.