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Warhawks’ Sanchez honored

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Sofia Sanchez

Sofia Sanchez is leaving her mark on Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference volleyball—mainly on the foreheads of opposing frontline players.

The Janesville Craig graduate and UW-Whitewater junior earned the WIAC Volleyball Athlete of the Week for her play last week.

Sanchez led the Warhawks to a 4-0 record, which included 3-0 sweeps over each opponent.

In the three-game sweep against Carroll College on Friday, Sanchez had a career-high 18 kills, with a hitting percentage of .593. Against Trinity International, Sanchez recorded 13 digs and three blocks.

Sanchez hit .455 with 13 kills in the Warhawks’ victory against Elmhurst College. Against Wisconsin Lutheran, she hit .529 with 10 kills and seven digs.

Coach Stacy Boudreau has enjoyed watching Sanchez, who has helped the Warhawks to the No. 8 ranking in the Division III American Volleyball Coaches Association poll.

“Sofie has always been a very dominant player,” said Boudreau. “She’s learning to harness her energy and strength and be consistent. She’s been doing that the last two weeks.”

After Wednesday night’s WIAC opener at home against UW-Stevens Point, Sanchez leads the Warhawks with 115 kills. She has a .296 hitting percentage, and ranks fourth on the team with 58 digs and fifth with 10 blocks.

The Warhawks, who are

9-1 after the Pointer match, again have high goals for the season.

“We definitely want to win the conference and get to nationals,” Boudreau said.

UW-Oshkosh leads the list of three WIAC schools on the AVCA poll. The Titans are seventh, one spot ahead of Whitewater. UW-Eau Claire is ranked 15th.

A major date on the Warhawk schedule will be Friday, Sept. 24.

The university will honor Kris Russell by naming the volleyball facility in her name. Ceremonies begin at 7 p.m., with the Warhawks facing No. 3-ranked Emory starting at 7:30.

“That’s going to be a special night for Kris,” Boudreau said.