Maryland volleyball’s Gia Milana wins Big Ten Freshman of the Week

Maryland volleyball’s Gia Milana was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week after averaging 4.4 kills per set in two matches last weekend. She is Maryland’s second-ever Freshman of the Week, with Angel Gaskin receiving the honor last season.

On Friday, Milana led Maryland with 20 kills and 11 digs against No. 10 Penn State. It was her eighth double-double of the season, the most by a non-setter in the Big Ten. Despite having a quieter Sunday against Rutgers, she helped the Terps onto their third Big Ten win of the year with 11 kills, three blocks and three aces.

The outside hitter was the first Under Armour First Team All-American to join the Terps when she arrived in College Park this year. She has had an immediate impact for the program, quickly becoming Steve Aird’s go-to attacking option.

Milana leads Maryland with 402 kills this season, nearly double Liz Twilley’s 209, which is good for second on the team. Milana has led Maryland in kills in 23 of 28 matches this season and has hit double-digit kills in all but six matches this year. The Romeo, Mich. native ranks fourth in the Big Ten in kills per set, the highest-ranking freshman in the category.

The 6’2” freshman is also second on Maryland with 2.30 digs per set, behind only libero Kelsey Wicinski.