COOKEVILLE, Tenn. - Junior setter Melanie Culp has shown improvements from week-to-week thus far in the 2009 volleyball season and was rewarded on Monday by being named the OVC Setter of the Week. This is the first time she has earned the distinction in her career.

Culp, an Indianapolis, Ind., native, dished out 124 total assists in three matches this past weekend at the Cardinal Classic in Louisville, Ky. She recorded a career-high 59 assists in the Golden Eagles' five-set match against Liberty and also registered 37 assists against Louisville and 28 against Toledo. Culp also chipped in with 13 digs and a pair of blocks.

"She put great numbers this weekend, especially in the match against Liberty," said head coach John Blair.

A converted defensive specialist, Culp is visibly becoming more comfortable at the setter position. After tallying 99 total assists during her sophomore campaign, Culp has already amassed 336 assists this season.

"This is evidence of the progression of both her and the team," Blair said. "She is well aware that there is still some work to do, but this is a step in the right direction for her."

Culp, who currently ranks third in the conference with 9.33 assists/set, is a major reason why the Golden Eagles currently rank fourth in the OVC in team hitting percentage (.182).

Culp will lead Tech into conference play this weekend as the team takes on Southeast Missouri State on Friday at 7 p.m. and Eastern Illinois on Saturday at 2 p.m. Both home matches will be played at the Eblen Center.