By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University senior Madisyn Leenstra (OH/MH, Bellingham, WA/Sehome HS) has been named Northwest Conference Volleyball Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts in two matches for the Bearcats during the week ending Sept. 30.

Led by Leenstra, the Bearcats upset #10-ranked University of Puget Sound, 3-2, on Friday, Sept. 28, before falling to #18-ranked Pacific Lutheran University, 3-0, on Saturday, Sept. 29.

During the week, Leenstra averaged 3.62 kills per set while earning a .301 hitting percentage. She also supplied a total of 15 digs (1.88 avg.), five blocks (0.62 avg.) and two service aces. She earned double-digit kills in both matches.

Against Puget Sound, she contributed 15 kills, seven digs and three total blocks, as the Bearcats rallied from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Loggers, 22-25, 9-25, 25-7, 25-23, 15-12. She was credited with three kills on eight attacks (.375) in the decisive fifth set.

In the match against Pacific Lutheran, Leenstra achieved 14 kills, eight digs and two total blocks. PLU edged past the Bearcats, 26-24, 25-17, 27-25, to remain undefeated in the NWC.

Leenstra leads Willamette this season with 156 kills in 13 matches (48 sets), an average of 3.25 kills per set. She has registered a .223 hitting percentage.

The Bearcats are 3-10 on the season, 1-5 in the Northwest Conference. WU will return to action on Friday, Oct. 5 at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Ore. Match time is scheduled for 7 p.m. (PDT).