By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University sophomore libero Elena Vasquez (Kingston, WA/North Kitsap HS) has been chosen as the Northwest Conference Volleyball Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts in matches against Lewis & Clark College on Wednesday, Sept. 26 and Pacific University on Friday, Sept. 28. The Bearcats split the pair of matches, as they defeated Lewis & Clark, 3-1, before Pacific won the second match, 3-1.

Vasquez provided Willamette with outstanding play from her libero position in both matches. She averaged 5.57 digs per set during the week with 24 digs versus the Pioneers and 22 digs against the Boxers. She made several incredible digs in each match.

For the season, Vasquez leads the Bearcats with 198 digs and 4.12 digs per set. She ranks second on the team with 19 service aces.

Willamette is 6-9 on the season and 3-3 in the Northwest Conference. The Bearcats will return to action on Friday, Oct. 5 in Tacoma, Washington, against University of Puget Sound. Match time is scheduled for 7 p.m (PDT). The Bearcats are set to host George Fox University at Cone Field House on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m.