IRVINE, Calif. – Setter Jessica Bates has been named The Big West Freshman of the Week, UC Irvine's first weekly award of the season.

Bates was impressive in the win against Belmont, registering her second triple-double of the season, while hitting .412 (19-5-34). She recorded a career-best 19 kills, 12 digs, four blocks assists and two aces, while dishing a season-high 12 set assists. 

She is the only player in the Big West to record a triple-double and is the first league player since 2023 (Carisa Barron, CSUN).  

Versus Lipscomb, Bates shared the team-led in kills with eight and recorded nine set assists, seven digs, two block assists and an ace.

Last week, Bates averaged 3.86 kills, 3.29 set assists, 2.71 digs, 0.86 blocks and 4.71 points per set, while hitting .364 (27-7-55) with three aces.