KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Lydia Gustafson of Columbia International (S.C.), the senior middle blocker from Elgin, South Carolina, was recognized as the NAIA Women's Volleyball Defender of the Week. Gustafson is also the Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) leader in total blocks and blocks per set last week.

During a recent match against Johnson (Tenn.), Gustafson tied her own school record for the second-most blocks in a single match in CIU program history, achieving an impressive 11 total blocks (3 solo, 8 assisted). Over the week, she accumulated a staggering 20 blocks, showcasing her defensive prowess and solidifying her status as a key player for the Rams.

Against Truett McConnell, she achieved a .714 hitting percentage with 10 kills, while also contributing four total blocks (2 solo, 2 assisted).

In the match against Johnson (Tenn.), she maintained a .545 hitting percentage and delivered 11 total blocks (3 solo, 8 assisted), a performance that was instrumental in her team's victory.

On October 4, against Union Commonwealth (Ky.), she recorded a .400 hitting percentage with five assisted blocks, rounding out a week of exceptional play.

The middle blocker finished the week with a total 20 total blocks (5 solo, 15 assisted). Gustafson's offensive contributions were equally impressive with a .550 hitting percentage and 23 kills over the week.