Wingate’s Gale, Willis Named Volleyball Players Of The Week

ROCK HILL, S.C. ­- Wingate University sophomore middle blocker Stormi Gale (Richmond, Texas) is this week's South Atlantic Conference volleyball Player of the Week. Wingate University freshman setter Liz Willis (Raleigh, N.C.) is the SAC volleyball Specialist of the Week.

The 2007 SAC Freshman of the Year, Gale averaged 4.10 kills per set in three matches last week. In recognition of her efforts, she was voted the Wingate University Classic tournament MVP as the Bulldogs compiled a 3-0 record in the event. Gale earns tournament MVP honors for the second consecutive weekend. Gale hit .360 for the week, while averaging 2.80 digs and 1.0 blocks per set. She started her week by racking up 18 kills and 13 digs in a 3-0 regular season win over Francis Marion Tuesday. The Fort Bend Austin graduate had 15 kills, seven digs and five blocks in the 3-0 victory over UNC Pembroke. She hit .350 or better in every match.

Stormi Gale

Liz Willis

Willis averaged 8.55 assists and 1.91 digs per set while leading Wingate to a 4-0 overall record for the week. The Bulldog ledger included a perfect 3-0 record in the Wingate Classic. Willis joined Gale on the all-tournament team. A graduate of Enloe High School, Willis had 37 assists against Francis Marion Tuesday. Willis had 16 assists and 10 digs against Limestone Friday night. She finished her week with 32 assists, eight digs, three kills and two aces in a 3-0 win over UNC Pembroke.

Willis leads the Bulldogs with 8.90 assists per set on the season. She adds 2.0 digs per set. She is third on the team with 10 aces on the season. Wingate enters SAC play with a 9-1 overall record. The Bulldogs travel to Mars Hill College Saturday for a 3 p.m. SAC opener.

The SAC Volleyball Players of the Week are determined by a vote of the sports information directors of the league.