COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (September 6, 2018) - State College of Florida's Sydney Jaco was named the NJCAA Division I Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week on Thursday.

This marks the first time the NJCAA has awarded separate offensive and defensive volleyball players of the week. 

Jaco, a freshman defensive specialist, is from Bradenton, Fla., home of the Manatees. She was named NJCAA Region 8/FCSAA Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week on Wednesday. 

In 37 sets over 11 matches during the voting period, Jaco averaged 6.6 digs, which leads Region 8 and ranks third nationally. She recorded double-digit digs in each of the 11 matches and closed with five straight entries into Region 8's 25 Dig Club, including 39 vs. Gadsden State. 

The NJCAA's first regular season polls were released on Wednesday, with two-time defending national champion Miami Dade College leading the way at No. 1 in the Division I poll. Santa Fe College is ranked No. 14 while Polk State College is 18th. 

In the Division II poll, Pasco-Hernando State College is No. 8.