University of Iowa outside hitter Malu Garcia was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week, the conference announced on Monday.

Garcia is Iowa’s first Big Ten Freshman of the Week since Brie Orr earned the honor in September of 2017. It is Iowa’s first weekly conference recognition since Courtney Buzzerio was the Big Ten Player of the Week in the spring of 2021.

Garcia, a native of Hilo, Hawaii, combined for 28 kills and 14 blocks in Iowa’s wins at Rutgers and Maryland. Against the Scarlet Knights, Garcia matched her career high with 17 kills, while also tallying nine blocks and eight digs.

To close out the road trip, Garcia registered 11 kills and five blocks in the Hawkeyes’ five-set win against Maryland.

Garcia’s 138 total kills are the most among Big Ten freshmen. She averages 2.76 kills per set and is hitting .225 in her rookie campaign. Defensively, Garcia is third on the team with 43 blocks.

The Hawkeyes (8-6, 2-0 B1G) are back in action on Friday, Oct. 4, hosting No. 25 Washington (12-0, 2-0 B1G) in Iowa’s Gold Out match at Xtream Arena. First serve is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. (CT) and will be televised on the Big Ten Network and broadcast on the Hawkeye Radio Network.