ARLINGTON, Texas – The Western Athletic Conference announced its weekly Jersey Mike's A Sub Above volleyball awards. Utah Valley's Lani Matavao was named Libero of the Week for her performance for the week ending Oct. 21. It's her third honor this year and her fifth during her UVU career. UTA's Brianna Ford won WAC Player of the Week, and Mollie Blank was named Setter of the Week.
 
Matavao recorded 18 digs in the sweep of Abilene Christian on Thursday night before going for 22 digs in the reverse sweep against California Baptist on Saturday. Her defensive effort transitioned into her offensive game as she tied a career-high with seven assists against the Lancers. She previously set the season-high with seven assists in Seattle against the Redhawks earlier this year.
 
The sophomore from West Jordan, Utah, has had 20 more digs in two of the Wolverines' last four matches. Her 3.97 digs/set is ranked third in the conference, only behind CBU's Amanda Darling and Seattle U's Katlyn Sipes. Matavao had a season-high 26 digs earlier this season against Tarleton State. That mark is tied for the conference high this year for a five-set match and tops the conference for a five-set conference match.
 
Utah Valley has two matches this week starting Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:00 p.m. MT against Grand Canyon inside Global Credit Union Arena. They will return to Orem to host UT Arlington on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 1:00 p.m. MT.