KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Larchwood, Iowa, native and Northwestern (Iowa) standout Zavyr Metzger has been named the NAIA Women's Volleyball Defender of the Week, following an exceptional series of performances.

Metzger, a senior at Northwestern, showcased her defensive skill with an impressive average of 2.56 blocks per set during a 3-1 week for the Raiders. Her week was highlighted by a career-high 13-block performance in just three sets against Kansas Wesleyan on Friday.

In addition to her defensive contributions, Metzger also contributed to the team's success by averaging 1.50 kills per set over the week. Her season average of 2.04 blocks per set currently leads the NAIA.

The week began with a 3-1 victory over Morningside (Iowa), where Metzger recorded eight total blocks (1 solo, 7 assisted) and contributed four kills, finishing with a hitting percentage of .136. Her performance against Kansas Wesleyan was nothing short of spectacular, as she not only achieved her career-high in blocks but also maintained a hitting percentage of .308 with four kills on 13 attempts and no errors.

Though the Raiders faced a setback against Oklahoma Wesleyan, losing 3-1, Metzger still managed to shine with nine blocks (1 solo, 8 assisted) and four kills. She capped off the week with a strong showing in a 3-2 victory against RV Park (Mo.), contributing 11 assisted blocks and five kills.