FAIRBANKS - Tessa Onaga, libero/defensive specialist, for the Nanooks volleyball team was named the Great Northwest Athletic Conference's Defensive Player of the Week on Monday, Sept. 15 following a 3-0 showing at home. 

The junior posted 4.36 digs per set over the week and currently sits third in the conference with a 4.41 digs-per-set average this season. Her standout showing came against Cal State San Bernardino, who received votes in the latest national coaches poll, where she tallied a season-best 29 digs in Alaska's five-set victory. Beyond anchoring the defense, Onaga also contributed 18 assists and seven service aces while patrolling the court this past weekend. Her efforts not only helped the Nanooks win the Denali State Bank Ice Block Classic, but also landed her on the All-Tournament Team, her third All-Tournament nod this season. 

Coach Brian Scott felt Onaga's presence elevates many aspects of the Nanooks game, "Tessa's steady presence on the court has elevated our serve-receive and defense to a new level this year. This is her second year in our program, and I think she still surprises us with spectacular reads, digs and saves on a daily basis. One of the things I love most about her is that she inspires others to elevate their level of play by the way she plays the game. She makes all of us better." This is Onaga's first-career player of the week honor and it's the second of the season for the Nanooks. Elena Guc earned the first of the year on Sept. 2. 

Alaska enters GNAC play 9-1 and opens up their conference slate at Montana State Billings (Sept. 18) and Seattle Pacific (Sept. 20). 

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