By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communication

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University junior outside hitter Natalie Klotz (Bonner Springs, KS/Bonner Springs HS) has been named Northwest Conference Volleyball Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week for her successful efforts as the Bearcats defeated Lewis & Clark College, 3-0, on Friday, April 9. Willamette concluded its season at 4-4 overall, 4-4 in the NWC.

Klotz topped all players with 17 kills in Willamette's 25-17, 25-17, 25-23 win over the Pioneers. The Bearcats lost 3-0 at L&C earlier in the season. Her 17 kills are tied for the second most by a WU player in a three-set, rally-scored match since 2006. Klotz hit .298 in the rematch with L&C and made a big difference whenever she was on the court. She also earned four digs and one service ace.

"Natalie led Willamette and the Northwest Conference in kills per set this spring with 4.10," Willamette Head Volleyball Coach Lily Hallock said. "She is incredibly hard to defend because she can hit from anywhere across the net and she has a variety of shots in her arsenal. Her serving also puts tremendous pressure on the opposing team, something that doesn't show up in the stats but makes a huge difference in the outcome of the match. Beyond volleyball, Natalie is a quiet leader. She is a good listener and always there to support her teammates."

This season, Klotz registered 127 kills for the Bearcats. She ranks 13th in the nation in NCAA Division III with 4.10 kills per set. She set a career high with 27 kills in a five-set victory over George Fox University on March 19. In three seasons with the Bearcats, she has earned 623 kills and 513 digs. She also has recorded 63 service aces and 93 total blocks.