Heart Announces First Women’s Volleyball Players of the Week of 2022

In the first edition of the Heart of America Athletic Conference Women's Volleyball Player of the Week awards, Ariana Arciniega of MidAmerica Nazarene was selected the Heart Attacker of the Week, Hailey Hested of Mount Mercy is the Heart Setter of the Week and Krystal Brauner of Central Methodist collected the Heart Defender of the Week award.

Arciniega, a senior from Lima, Peru, helped lead the Pioneers to a 3-0 start to the 2022 season, with wins over Avila, Dakota State and Doane.

She averaged 4.23 kills per set and 2.62 digs per set in 13 total sets. The outside hitter had 22 kills in each of the victories over Dakota State and Doane.

Hested, who was the 2021 Heart Co-Freshman of the Year last year, helped the Mustangs to a 3-0 record last week, with wins over Valley City State, Southwestern and Briar Cliff.

The North Liberty, Iowa native averaged 10.67 assists per set and had terrific match against Valley City State with six kills and 17 digs.

Brauner and the No. 14 ranked Eagles went 2-1 last week with wins over Tabor and No. 25 Ottawa.

The Jefferson City, Missouri product averaged 5.5 digs per set and had a weekly high of 22 digs in the loss against No. 12 nationally ranked Eastern Oregon. She also had nine assists on the week and four service aces.