Sept. 24, 2012
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WEST POINT, N.Y. - Thanks in large part to standout performances in a pair of wins over service-academy rival Navy, junior volleyball player D.J. Phee and senior golfer Matt Philie shared Army Athletic Association Athlete of the Week honors on Monday morning.
Phee anchored a staunch Army defense all weekend as the Black Knights picked up a pair of key victories over American and Navy to open Patriot League play. The starting libero led all players in digs in both matches, averaged a gaudy 5.11 digs per set over two matches and helped hold both opponents well below a .200 hitting percentage.
Phee totaled 24 digs in a thrilling 3-2 victory over defending Patriot League champion American on Friday night. It marked the just the second time Army has won at Bender Arena, sixth time the Black Knights have defeated American during Patriot League play and the first triumph over the Eagles since the 2009 Patriot League Championship match.
The following evening, Phee amassed a match-best 22 digs as the Black Knights registered their 11th-straight "Star" match win over rival Navy.
Philie, a senior co-captain, earned two points to help Army defeat Navy, 8.5.2-5. Philie clinched the match with his singles victory and helped Army win the service academy rivalry by the widest margin.
Philie teamed with Harrison Florence for a 2&1 victory in four-ball competition and then secured the "Star" with his 3&2 triumph at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, N.J.
Philie won all four of his four-ball matches over his career against Navy while winning three of four singles matches.
Both Philie and Phee are first-time AAA Athlete of the Week honorees this season.
