Norton adds to SEC award collection

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Jasmine Norton was rewarded for a pair of double-double efforts at Mississippi State and Alabama this past weekend with her sixth Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week recognition when league honors were announced Monday. All six of Norton’s selections have come during the conference season and she has now won the award in three consecutive weeks.

"We’ve known for awhile about Jasmine’s ability to score points," head coach Robert Pulliza said. "The truly exciting thing down the stretch of this season is her ability to become a great defender and a good passer, and that only happens when you work hard day in and day out."

In the weekend opener, Norton paced the Razorbacks with a match-high 15 kills and added 10 digs to complete the double-double against Mississippi State. She also registered three total blocks and two service aces. Norton has at least one ace in six of Arkansas’ last seven matches, including two or more in four straight.

Against Alabama, Norton posted a 24-kill, 21-dig performance in the Razorbacks’ four-set victory in Tuscaloosa. She led all players in both categories. Norton is one of two players in the conference this season to tally a 20-20 match. It was her ninth match this season with at least 20 kills, seven of which have come during SEC play. With her play against the Crimson Tide, Norton also recorded her fifth double-double in as many matches and lifts her season total to 11. The 21 digs are a career high, besting her previous mark of 17.

"There was no doubt in our minds, especially after the 21 digs against Alabama, that she was deserving of this award, so we’re excited that she has been recognized," Pulliza said.

Norton has recorded a double-digit kill mark in 13 consecutive matches, a stretch of matches in which she is also averaging a double-double with 18.92 kills and 11.46 digs per contest. She is averaging a league-high 4.45 kills per set during conference play, up from her season average of 4.05 kills pet set. Norton is also tied for second in the SEC with 0.33 service aces per set. For the week, Norton average 4.33 kills per set, 3.44 digs per set and 5.11 points per set.

The Razorbacks take on Georgia and Auburn this weekend in a pair of weekend matches at Barnhill Arena. For more information, log on to ArkansasRazorbacks.com.

Download: Week 12-POW.pdf