TRAFFORD, Pa. (Feb. 10) -- Thiel College men's volleyball freshman outside hitter Ezra Oesterling (Shelocta, Pa./West Shamokin) was named the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) Newcomer of the Week for the third time this season, the league office announced Monday afternoon. He collected Newcomer of the Week honors on Jan. 14 and Jan. 27 previously. 

Oesterling averaged 18 kills, 8.5 digs, three solo blocks and 1.5 aces as Thiel went 1-1 with a win over No. 13 Baldwin Wallace Saturday.

In Thiel's four-set win over No. 13 Baldwin Wallace, he posted a match-leading 18 kills on .229 hitting to go with a career- and match-best three aces, career-high three solo stuffs and seven digs. Versus Hiram, he posted match bests in kills (18) and digs (10) for his fourth double-double of the season while hitting .353 and tying for the match high with a trio of solo blocks.

Nationally, Oesterling leads all D-III freshmen in kills (155). He is 17th nationally, second in the PAC and fourth among D-III freshmen in kills per set (3.97). Of D-III freshmen outsides, he is tied for 10th in hitting percentage (.268)

The freshman standout has tallied at least 16 kills on six occasions this season, eclipsed 20 kills twice and has posted 10 or more kills in all nine matches this season. His four double-doubles are a team best. 

Men's Volleyball returns to action Tuesday night at 7 p.m. for a PAC showdown at Bethany College.