By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University sophomore libero Shyla Sato (Honolulu, HI/MId-Pacific Institute) has been named the Northwest Conference Volleyball Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts in matches against George Fox University on Thursday, March 18 and Friday, March 19. The Bearcats lost to GFU, 3-2, in the first match, and defeated the Bruins, 3-2, in the second match.

Sato recorded 25 digs in the first match, which was played at GFU in Newberg, Oregon. The Bearcats returned home for the second match, and Sato registered 35 digs to help Willamette win. She averaged 6.0 digs per set during the week, while earning nine service aces (0.90 per set). She provided five aces in the opener and four aces on the second night.

"Shyla's teammates would describe her as dependable, hardworking and supportive," Willamette Head Volleyball Coach Lily Hallock said. "As a team, we depend on Shyla to cover a lot of court on defense and she comes through for us. Shyla picks up hard-driven balls, short off-speed shots and chases down deeper attacks.

"Last week, we saw a real shift in Shyla's serving," Hallock added. "She started putting more pace on the ball and being more aggressive. It made a noticeable difference in the effectiveness of her serve and our ability to score."

This season, Sato leads the Bearcats with 129 digs and 5.86 digs per set. Her 35 digs in the second match against George Fox equaled her career-high set earlier this season versus Pacific University on March 5. Sato also ranks first on the team with 11 service aces and 0.50 aces per set.

Willamette does not play again until Thursday, April 1, when the Bearcats will travel to McMinnville, Oregon, to take on Linfield University in an NWC match. The Bearcats will host the Wildcats on Friday, April 2 to complete the series. Both matches will start at 7 p.m. (PDT).