Sato Earns NWC Volleyball Defensive Honor for Third Time this Season

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Shyla Sato (So., LIB, Honolulu, HI/MId-Pacific Institute) of Willamette University has been selected for the third time this season as the Northwest Conference Volleyball Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week. The most recent honor is for her performance against Lewis & Clark College on Friday, April 9. The Bearcats defeated the Pioneers in three sets, 25-20, 25-21, 25-20, at Cone Field House. Sato previously received the Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week award on March 22 and April 5.

The Bearcats ended the season with a 4-4 overall record, 4-4 in the NWC. The win at Willamette on Friday offset a 3-0 loss to the Pioneers on March 12 in Portland, Oregon.

During WU's 3-0 victory in the rematch, Sato registered 25 digs to lead all players on both teams. She averaged 8.33 digs per set. She also contributed six assists and one service ace for the Bearcats.

"What a well-deserved honor for Shyla to be recognized as the Northwest Conference defensive player of the week for a third time this spring," Willamette Head Volleyball Coach Lily Hallock said. "I've said it before and I'll say it again: Shyla is a fantastic libero. She is always working hard to get better, and a single ball hitting the floor is unacceptable to her."

Earlier in the season, Sato set a career high with 35 digs in a pair of five-set matches, a 3-2 loss at Pacific University on March 5 and a 3-2 win over George Fox University on March 19. In two seasons at Willamette, Sato has recorded 626 digs (5.13 digs per set) and 33 service aces. This year, she has contributed 185 digs for the Bearcats. She ranks 17th in NCAA Division III with 5.97 digs per set.