HARRISONBURG, Va., Oct. 27, 2009 – James Madison redshirt freshman libero Natalie Abel (Washington, Pa./Trinity) was named Colonial Athletic Association Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week after leading the Dukes to a 2-0 week.

Abel averaged 4.62 digs per set as JMU recorded its first undefeated week of the season.  The Dukes picked up their first CAA victory of the season on Friday by beating two-time defending champion Delaware, which entered the match in first place at 7-0 with a 10-match winning streak.  After that 3-2 victory, JMU then topped Towson Saturday night 3-1.

Abel posted a career-high 23 digs in the win over Delaware.  She followed that with 14 digs in three sets against Towson for a total of 47 in eight sets for the week.  In the two matches, Abel also had her second career kill, seven assists (including a career-high five against Towson), one ace, and a .949 reception percentage.

JMU, 9-16 overall and 2-7 in the CAA, will play its final home action of the season this weekend, closing a four-match home stand by hosting Georgia State on Friday and UNC Wilmington on Saturday.  Both matches are at 7 p.m.