WILKES-BARRE, PA (October 5, 2026) -- Following another strong week of competition, King's College Athletics has named first-year outside hitter Bella Boylan of women's volleyball and junior goalkeeper Ben Van Valkenburg of men's soccer as the Monarchs of the Week.

Boylan, a first-year outside hitter from Hanover Township, Pa., recorded 39 kills, 37 digs and three total blocks across three matches last week as the Monarchs women's volleyball team went 2-1.

Boylan recorded a career-high 14 kills in both King's matches against Lebanon Valley College on Tuesday and John Jay College on Saturday. She also tied her career high with 19 digs against Lebanon Valley. Against SUNY Delhi, Boylan added 11 kills and 10 digs.

Boylan has reached double figures in kills six times and digs eight times during her first collegiate season. She has also recorded at least one total block in seven matches this season. Despite missing four matches, Boylan ranks second on the team with 108 kills and third with 131 digs. She also ranks sixth on the team with 13 total blocks.

Van Valkenburg, a junior goalkeeper from Saratoga Springs, N.Y., faced 32 shots across two matches last week, helping the Monarchs earn 1-1 draws against Susquehanna University at home on Wednesday and Stevens on the road Saturday night.

Van Valkenburg recorded five saves on 16 shots against Susquehanna before making four saves on 16 shots against Stevens, a team that received votes in the most recent United Soccer Coaches poll. With approximately 13:30 remaining in the second half against Stevens, Van Valkenburg made three consecutive saves to help preserve the draw.

Van Valkenburg has started 10 of King's 11 matches this season and has recorded 38 saves on 148 shots faced while allowing 13 goals for a .745 save percentage. He has allowed one goal or fewer in eight of his 10 appearances this season and has recorded at least four saves in five matches.

The Monarchs return to action Wednesday, as men's soccer travels to Glenside, Pa., for a 6:00 p.m. MAC Freedom battle against Arcadia University, while women's volleyball travels to Scranton, Pa., for a 7:00 p.m. MAC Freedom battle against Marywood University.