MIAMI SHORES, Fla. — Kristian Smith and Anders Christianson of the Catawba College men's volleyball team have been named the Intercollegiate Volleyball Association Defensive Player of the Week and Setter of the Week, respectively, per Tuesday release.

Returning from the court following a four-week hiatus, Smith posted arguably the best week in Catawba history for a setter as he racked up 103 assists (11.44 per set) with 16 digs, two blocks and two aces. The Zebulon, N.C., product set a new program record for helpers in a four-set match last Friday, dishing out 52 in a skid-stopping win over North Greenville. With eight appearances in 2026, Smith is averaging 9.50 assists per set while amassing 323 total dimes.

Christianson was solid defensively with 18 digs (2.00 per set) with six blocks in a 1-1 week for the Catawba Indians, also ripping 26 kills (2.89 per set) as well as two aces on the offensive end. His performances against Lees-McRae and North Greenville were nearly identical with 13 kills and nine digs in each contest. The freshman out of Zionsville, Ind., ranks inside the top four for Catawba in kills, aces, digs and blocks.

The Catawba Indians have received five IVA Player of the Week selections this season including two weeks with multiple honorees. For Christianson and Smith, the weekly honors are the first of their careers.

Catawba returns to action next weekend with an IVA matchup at Tusculum on Friday, Mar. 20, at 6 p.m.