Fincher Honored as NWC Volleyball Student-Athlete of the Week

By Brandon Chinn, Athletics Communications Writer

SALEM, ORE. -- In her first season as a Bearcat, Sarah Fincher (So., OH, Reno, NV/Bishop Manogue HS/Southwest Baptist Univ.) has been selected as the Northwest Conference Volleyball Student-Athlete of the Week for her efforts in games played on Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19.

Fincher produced mightily in both of Willamette's home matches this past weekend.

She tallied a team-high 16 kills in Willamette's highly contested five-set loss to Whitworth University while also producing 13 digs to complete the double-double performance. Whitworth won 25-23, 25-19, 18-5, 23-25, 18-16.

On Saturday, Fincher anchored the Bearcats with a match-high 16 kills. In addition to her 3.56 kills per set average, she also registered 13 digs, one service ace and three block assists.

Fincher's performance helped propel Willamette to an efficient four-set win over Whitman College, 25-19, 22-25, 25-20, 25-18.

Having transferred to Willamette prior to the beginning of the 2013-14 campaign, Fincher has provided steady contributions for the Bearcats all season long.

Starting in all 19 matches thus far, she leads the team in kills (236) and kills per set (3.15). She has also produced 179 digs to go along with seven service aces.

After a tough start to conference play, Willamette has won two of its past three matches. The Bearcats currently own a 7-12 record, including 3-7 in the NWC, but the team has also lost four conference matches in a decisive fifth set.

Looking to continue their recent momentum, the Bearcats will welcome Linfield into Cone Field House on Friday, Oct. 25. They conclude their weekend on the road against Pacific Lutheran University the very next night. Start times for both matches are set for 7 p.m. (PDT).