ORLANDO, Fla. - Lynn University volleyball sophomore Lira Pukl Verdel was named the Sunshine State Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Monday following a standout opening weekend for the No. 18 Fighting Knights at the Sandy Hoffman Memorial Tournament.
 
Pukl Verdel helped Lynn post a 2-1 record against a challenging field that featured Central Missouri and Grand Valley State, both receiving votes in the national poll, along with No. 22 Bentley.
 
The outside hitter led the Fighting Knights with 37 kills, 3.70 kills per set and 46.0 points over 10 sets while hitting .347. She also made an impact throughout the rotation with 31 digs, seven service aces and three total blocks.
 
Pukl Verdel reached double-digit kills in all three matches and recorded double-doubles in both Lynn victories.
 
She opened the season with 12 kills on a .389 hitting percentage, 10 digs and two service aces as the Fighting Knights swept Central Missouri, 3-0. Later that day, Pukl Verdel posted a weekend-high 13 kills with six digs, two aces and three total blocks against Grand Valley State.
 
The Slovenia native saved one of her best performances for Saturday's tournament finale against No. 22 Bentley. Pukl Verdel recorded 12 kills with just two errors on 19 attacks for a .526 hitting percentage while adding a weekend-high 15 digs and three service aces. Her performance helped Lynn roll to a 3-0 victory over the Falcons while hitting .449 as a team.
 
For the weekend, Pukl Verdel averaged 4.60 points, 3.70 kills and 3.10 digs per set as Lynn earned straight-set victories over Central Missouri and No. 22 Bentley.
 
Pukl Verdel and the Fighting Knights return to South Florida for the Barry Invitational in Miami Shores. Lynn opens tournament play against Lubbock Christian on Friday, Sept. 4 at 4:45 p.m.