IRVINE, Calif. - CUI women's volleyball player Patience O'Neal has been named the PacWest Conference Player of the Week.

In the first match for the Eagles, O'Neal led the team with 15 kills and nine digs while hitting an impressive .364 in their 3-1 victory over the Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks.

"She's worked really hard to get where she is and has put in so much time over the summer", said head coach Paula Weishoff. "It is nice to see it all come together for Patience as she has stepped into the captain role. She wants it badly and you can just tell."

In the 2019 season, O'Neal played in 23 matches and 64 sets. She collected 133 kills, 35 blocks, and 30 digs for the green and gold. The Washington native recorded a career-high seven blocks against Azusa Pacific on Nov. 20 and had a season-high of 13 kills against Chico State on Sept. 14 while hitting .480. She racked up five double-digit matches with 10 kills or more.

"We have a great team dynamic this year, we are working well together and have a lot of trust between teammates," said O'Neal.  "It is always super fun to come into practice and play hard. This year I want to lead by example on and off the court and build the tem culture we have going for us."

CUI women's volleyball team will be on the road for the PacWest Conference opener against Azusa Pacific on Thursday, Mar. 18 at 6 p.m.

For the full CUI women's volleyball schedule, CLICK HERE.

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