TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Kariana Ayala of No. 16 Santa Fe volleyball has been chosen as the FCSAA/NJCAA Region 8 Defensive Player of the Week, based on her three performances from Feb. 22 - Feb. 28. 

With the selection, Hernandez has automatically been submitted for NJCAA Player of the Week consideration.

Ayala excelled in three Saints sweeps, averaging eight digs per set. She recorded a match-high dig total in all three matches, with 24 against Florida State College at Jacksonville, 30 against Gulf Coast, and 18 against Lake-Sumter State College. 

The sophomore from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico and The Rock School currently ranks No. 6 in the NJCAA Division I in digs/set (6.0) and total digs (282) this season. 

It is the first Defensive Player of the Week honor for the Saints this season, while Ayala's teammates Madison Sheffield (Player of the Week, 1/26) and Maria Hernandez (Setter of the Week, 2/9) have each received recognition as well. 

The Saints, who moved up to No. 16 in the latest NJCAA Division I Coaches' Poll, will next take the floor on Saturday, March 6 at Pensacola State College at 2:00 p.m.

FCSAA Release: Region 8 Player of the Week HQ - NJCAA Region 8 - NJCAA Region 8 (thefcsaasports.com)