Abel is able

James Madison University redshirt junior volleyball outside hitter Natalie Abel (Washington/Trinity High School) was named the Colonial Athletic Association co-Offensive Player of the Week after helping JMU to a 3-0 record at the Days Inn Invitational last weekend.

Abel was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after collecting 41 kills on .398 hitting while adding 31 digs, four blocks, four assists and two service aces. She committed only four errors in 11 sets, and averaged 3.73 kills per set. In James Madison's three-set win over Robert Morris to close out the tournament, Abel had 16 kills against one error in 28 attempts.

Through six matches this season, Abel leads the Dukes in kills (67), kills per set (2.79), aces (seven) and digs (72). She was a preseason All-CAA honorable mention after collecting third team recognitions a year ago.