NORTHRIDGE – For the second consecutive week, redshirt freshman setter Taylor Ittner was honored by the Big West as the conference’s Freshman of the Week. This week, Ittner was also named National Setter of the Week by Off the Block.

Ittner, who was also honored as Big West Freshman of the Week on Jan. 21, led the 10th-ranked Matadors to road split against No. 13 Purdue Fort Wayne and No. 14 Ball State last week. The setter from Meadow Vista, Calif., posted 96 assists in the two five-set matches. For the week, Ittner averaged 9.60 assists per set while leading the Matador hitters to a .285 clip over 10 sets.

Against Purdue Fort Wayne, the Matadors rallied from two sets down to complete the reverse sweep. Ittner handed out 49 assists and collected six digs in the win. The following night, the Matadors dropped a tough five set decision at Ball State. Ittner had another strong showing, dishing out 47 assists to go along with five digs as CSUN hit .324 as a team.

This week, the Matadors return home to face another pair of Midwest foes, as No. 5 Loyola Chicago visits The Matadome on Friday (Jan. 25) followed the next night by No. 9 Lewis.