By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University setter Emma Porter (So., Honolulu, HI/Mid-Pacific Institute) has been selected Northwest Conference Volleyball Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts as the Bearcats took on Linfield University in two NWC matches last week. The Bearcats defeated Linfield, 25-17, 25-17, 25-16, on Thursday, April 1 in McMinnville, Oregon, then swept the Wildcats, 25-15, 25-15, 25-23, at Cone Field House on Friday, April 2.

Porter averaged 8.17 assists per set for the Bearcats as she registered 49 assists during the week. She earned 22 assists at Linfield and then recorded 27 assists at Willamette. In the two matches, she also provided six kills and a .286 hitting percentage. She added 4.17 digs (25 total) and 0.33 blocks per set.

"Emma is averaging 9.32 assists per set this season, second in the Northwest Conference," Willamette Head Volleyball Coach Lily Hallock noted. "What I am really impressed by is the work she's put in to improve her all-around game. Emma has made huge strides in terms of her front row and back row defense and being an offensive threat. I look forward to seeing what Emma is able to accomplish in the rest of her career at Willamette."

Willamette is 3-4 on the season and 3-4 in the NWC. The Bearcats will complete their schedule on Friday, April 9 when they host Lewis & Clark College at Cone Field House. Match time is set for 7 p.m. (PDT).