By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. -- Kaylen Higa (So., LIB/DS, Mililani, HI/Punahou School), the starting libero for the Willamette University volleyball team, has been selected as the Northwest Conference Volleyball Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts at the Bethel Invitational on Sept. 2-3 in Arden Hilss, Minnesota.

Higa averaged 6.67 digs per set during Willamette's four matches at the tournament. She recorded double-digit digs in all four matches, including 26 against Wartburg and 25 against Nebraska Wesleyan. Her 26 digs versus Wartburg were just one short of her career high, set versus Pacific Lutheran University on Oct. 2, 2015 and against Whitworth University on Nov. 6, 2015.

Willamette went 1-3 at the Bethel Invitational. Two of the losses were to Bethel, ranked #12 in the NCAA Division III Preseason Poll, and to Wartburg, which received votes in the Preseason Poll. Willamette ended the weekend with a 3-0 sweep against the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

The Bearcats will play four matches this coming weekend at the Austin College Tournament in Sherman, Texas. All four opponents will be from the State of Texas.

WU will open the tournament against Sul Ross State University on Friday, Sept. 9 at 12 p.m. CDT/10 a.m. PDT. Also on Friday, the Bearcats will battle McMurry University at 4 p.m. CDT/2 p.m. PDT. On Saturday, Sept. 10, Willamette will take on Concordia University at 1 p.m. CDT/11 a.m. PDT) and will play Austin College at 3 p.m. CDT/1 p.m. PDT).