ISU freshman libero Ashley Mass was selected Monday as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week for her performances in victories over Baylor and Texas A&M last week.

Mass is the first Cyclone to earn the defensive player of the week award, which was started this season.

Mass recorded 33 digs in two matches last week to lead the conference in digs per game, averaging 5.50 in wins against Baylor and No. 25 Texas A&M. As a team, the Cyclones’ defense paced the league in digs per game with 20.67.

In the Cyclones’ Big 12 opener at Baylor, Mass had 17 digs and three service aces in the shutout of the Bears. The freshman from Muskego, Wis., then earned 16 digs to help the Cyclones sweep Texas A&M for the first time in school history.

Since Mass has taken over the starting libero assignment, Iowa State is 6-0 with two victories over ranked teams.