DICKINSON, N.D. – Dickinson State sophomore middle blocker Carmen Pallone has been named the Frontier Conference Defender of the Week, the league announced Monday as part of its weekly Erck Hotels/Frontier Conference Volleyball Players of the Week awards.

Pallone, a native of Hardin, Mont., anchored the Blue Hawks' front line during a dominant 3-0 week to open conference play, which included back-to-back five-set victories over No. 24 Dakota State and No. 3 Bellevue, followed by a sweep of Bismarck State.

She totaled 15 blocks across the three matches—averaging 1.5 blocks per set—and recorded five total blocks in each contest. Pallone notched four solo blocks and one block assist against Bismarck State, added one solo and four block assists versus Dakota State, and tallied five solo blocks in the upset win over nationally ranked Bellevue.

"We are so excited for Carmen to receive the Defender of the Week," said head coach Stormy Siemion. "Coming off such an exciting week, we are able to reflect and see all the hard work she has put in. We are excited to see what else she can do."

This is Pallone's first career Erck Hotels / Frontier Conference weekly honor.