By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University junior outside hitter Sarah Fincher (Jr., OH, Reno, NV/Bishop Manogue HS/Southwest Baptist Univ.) has been chosen as the Northwest Conference Volleyball Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts for the Bearcats against the University of Puget Sound and George Fox University this past weekend

Fincher opened the weekend with 19 kills, 15 digs and three block assists against Puget Sound on Friday (Sept. 26). She followed up with 20 kills, 11 digs and three more block assists versus George Fox on Saturday (Sept. 27). She registered her fifth and sixth double-doubles in kills and digs this season. Fincher led WU in kills both nights.

For the week, Fincher averaged 4.33 kills per set and compiled a .195 hitting percentage. She also recorded 2.89 digs and 0.67 blocks per set.

Puget Sound defeated the Bearcats, 3-1, but Willamette bounced back with a 3-2 victory over George Fox. The Bearcats are 7-6 overall, including 2-2 in the NWC.

Fincher ranks first in the NWC this season with 168 kills and 3.57 kills per set. She is 10th in the conference in hitting percentage at .211. She has achieved 10 or more kills in nine of 13 matches for the Bearcats.

Willamette played both matches at Cone Field House last week. The Bearcats will be at home again this weekend. They will take on Whitworth University on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. (PDT) and will host Whitman College on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.