DENVER Rice junior Olaya Pazo has been named the Western Athletic Conference Volleyball Player of the Week for the week of Nov. 15. This is the first WAC Player of the Week honor this season for the transfer from Texas-Arlington. Pazo is the sister of Rice all-WAC selection Rebeca Pazo.
The Caracas, Venezuela, native, hit .486 over two matches and averaged 3.33 kpg from the right side, while defensively she averaged 3.33 dpg and 1.50 bpg in the Owls' pair of 3-0 victories. At Houston, Pazo led Rice with her fifth double- double of the season with 13 kills and 11 digs. She hit .667 in game two against the Cougars, connecting six times on nine swings. She finished the match hitting .571 (13-1-21), with her kill total matching her Rice career high.
At Tulsa, Pazo helped Rice to it's best three-game blocking match of the year as she got in on five of the Owls 16 team blocks. Her five block assists matched her Rice career high. She was also second in digs for Rice against the Golden Hurricane, finishing with nine. Pazos efforts helped Rice close out the regular season with a six match winning streak, including taking the last five in straight sets. The Owls have won 17-straight games, with the last loss a 30-28 game three at San Jose State.
Other nominees included: Robyn Keune, Fresno State; Alicia Arnott, Hawaii and Salaia Salave`a, Nevada.