2005-09-21 willisnaiapow
9/21/2005 10:00:51 AM | Women's Volleyball
WILLIS NAMED NAIA PLAYER OF THE WEEK
RIVERSIDE, Calif. --- Sophomore Verania Willis has been named NAIA Volleyball Player of the Week as announced by the NAIA national office.
It is the first such honor for Willis and the second national weekly honor for a Lancer volleyball player. Linsey Smolskis was named National Libero of the Week last season.
The sophomore outside hitter from San Jose, Costa Rica, had a big week in leading the defending NAIA champion Lancers’ to a pair of wins over nationally-ranked teams. She tallied 37 kills (6.1 kpg.), with a .429 hitting percentage, 14 digs (2.3 dpg.), and 11 blocks (3 solo). In the sweep of No. 22 Vanguard, she had 18 kills and 6 blocks (2 solo). In the 3-game victory at No. 19 Biola, Willis had 19 kills, 8 digs and 5 blocks (1 solo).
Willis has hit over .400 in 5 of the 9 matches she has played in this year. She has reached double-figures in kills in all 9 matches, including at least 18 in the past 5 consecutive matches.
Yesterday, Willis was named GSAC and NAIA Region II Player of the Week as well. Sophomore Kayla Van Duyn was also named GSAC and NAIA Region II Setter of the Week.
The NAIA’s No. 3-ranked Lancers, currently 13-1 overall, 5-0 GSAC, carry their 13-match winning streak into Saturday's match when they host No. 1 Fresno Pacific at 3 p.m.
