Virginia Union University's Alana Simmons has been named the CIAA Volleyball Rookie of the Week, the CIAA announced on Tuesday, October 23.

Simmons, a freshman outside hitter from Upper Marlboro, Md., who is majoring in Computer Information Systems,  had 21 kills in the five-game win for the Lady Panthers over Lincoln University of Pennsylvania on October 23 and 13 kills in VUU's 3-0 sweep of Virginia University of Lynchburg on October 17.

"We are so proud of Alana's accomplishments," said VUU Head Volleyball Coach Joe Sullivan.  "She is a well-rounded dynamic player that brings a lot to the table. She is a huge component of our program's successes and a force to be reckoned with!"

Virginia Union will travel to Petersburg, Va., to face Virginia State University at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 26.