By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Shyla Sato (So., LIB, Honolulu, HI/MId-Pacific Institute) of Willamette University has been named the Northwest Conference Volleyball Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts as the libero in wins over Linfield University on Thursday, April 1 and Friday, April 2. It is the second time this season that Sato has received the weekly defensive award. She also earned the Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week honor on March 22 after two strong matches against George Fox University.

"Shyla does so many things for this team," Willamette Head Volleyball Coach Lily Hallock said. "There are those contributions that show up on the stat sheet, like 5.71 digs per set (second in the conference) and 0.61 aces per set (third in the conference). And there are those qualities that really make the difference: she works hard every day, she chases down every ball possible, and she supports her teammates. Shyla is an all-around excellent libero."

In the two contests last week against Linfield, Sato averaged 5.17 digs per set. She reached double digits in both matches, with 15 digs in the first meeting and 16 digs in the second meeting. She also contributed six service aces, including four aces in the first match. The Bearcats defeated the Wildcats 3-0 both nights, winning 25-17, 25-17, 25-16 on Thursday and 25-15, 25-15, 25-23 on Friday.

With the pair of victories, Willamette improved to 3-4 overall, 3-4 in the NWC. The Bearcats will finish the season on Friday, April 9 by hosting Lewis & Clark College at Cone Field House in Salem, Oregon. Match time is set for 7 p.m. (PDT).