WHITTIER, Calif. – Junior libero Alyssa Gonzalez earned SCIAC Defensive Athlete of the Week honors following a strong defensive showing during the Poets' three-match weekend in New Jersey. Gonzalez totaled 45 digs, averaging 15 per match, while also adding nine assists.

Against Kean University, Gonzalez collected 11 digs and a service ace to help the Poets earn a 3-0 sweep. She contributed to a dominant defensive effort that held the Cougars to just eight points in the second set.

In the second match of the weekend against host Montclair State, Gonzalez recorded 17 digs while contributing six assists and another service ace. The Poets won the match, 3-1, and held the Red Hawks to just 10 points in the opening set.

Whittier closed out the weekend with a 3-0 sweep of Franklin & Marshall College, and Gonzalez turned in another strong defensive performance. She matched her weekend high with 17 digs and added three assists.

Led by Gonzalez, the Poets dropped just one set across their three matches in New Jersey. Her 45 digs helped Whittier finish the weekend a perfect 3-0.

Gonzalez and the Poets will return to action against the University of La Verne Leopards, who are receiving votes in the AVCA Top 25, on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. inside the Graham Athletic Center.

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