ROCK HILL, S.C. --- Tusculum University men's volleyball middle blocker Shaphar Grant has been named the Independent Volleyball Association (IVA) Defensive Player of the Week.

Grant, a senior from Kingston, Jamaica, aided in the Pioneers' 1-2 week, while nearly knocking off a nationally-ranked Ball State. He tallied four digs and eight total blocks over the 12 sets, adding 24 kills on a .432 hitting percentage and two assists.

In the five-set loss to the No. 6 Cardinals, Grant tied his career-high 12 kills on a .524 clip, collecting five blocks (three solo, two assists). Two days earlier, he assisted in three rejections at North Greenville.

On the season, Grant is averaging 1.82 kills per set on a .310 rate and .61 blocks per set.

Tusculum (2-5) hosts King tonight (Jan. 24) at 7 p.m. in Pioneer Arena, while riding a two-match home win streak.