Florida Gulf Coast University senior defensive specialist Anna Marzella was named the ASUN Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, Nov. 2, after anchoring the Eagles’ back row in two home wins at Alico Arena. The honor is the first weekly award of Marzella’s FGCU career. Her performance helped FGCU improve to 7-4 in ASUN play.
Marzella totaled a team-high 32 digs over seven sets, averaging 4.57 per set. She added nine assists and one service ace while posting a .966 reception percentage on 58 serve receptions across the two matches. FGCU defeated North Florida and Jacksonville during the award period.
Marzella delivered in both home matches
Marzella opened the week with a match-high 19 digs, eight assists and one ace in FGCU’s 3-1 win over North Florida on Oct. 30. She followed with a match-high 13 digs in FGCU’s Senior Day sweep of Jacksonville on Nov. 1. The two performances established her as the Eagles’ leading defensive contributor across the home weekend.
FGCU head coach Thais Baziquetto-Allen praised Marzella’s consistency and the timing of the recognition. “We are so proud of Anna for earning this recognition. She is the heartbeat of our defense, and she gives us that same steady presence every single night. For her to be rewarded during this final home weekend, with her family in the stands, makes it even more special.”
Marzella leads FGCU with 285 digs this season, averaging 3.35 per set. The Milan, Italy, native has 856 career digs between Florida SouthWestern and FGCU, including 480 with the Eagles. She is the only player identified in the supplied source as receiving the ASUN weekly honor.
What comes next for FGCU
FGCU closes the regular season with three road matches, beginning Nov. 6 at West Florida at 7 p.m. ET. The Eagles then visit Queens on Nov. 8 at noon before traveling to Stetson on Nov. 14 for a 6 p.m. match. The 2026 ASUN Volleyball Championship is scheduled for Nov. 19-22 at Alico Arena.
FSB Take
Marzella’s recognition gives FGCU a clear defensive focal point as the regular season moves into its final road stretch. Her reception efficiency and team-leading dig total show how her impact extends beyond individual defensive plays. With the ASUN tournament scheduled at Alico Arena, FGCU will have a defined home setting waiting after the three-match finish away from Fort Myers.
Source: Original report