LIVINGSTON, Ala. – The University of West Alabama volleyball team earned two Gulf South Conference weekly honors as sophomore Klára Bobánová was named GSC Offensive Player of the Week and freshman Rachele Zanini received GSC Freshman of the Week recognition following their performances in the Tigers' final regular-season matchups against Lee University and Trevecca Nazarene.
The duo helped lead West Alabama through its final regular-season road trip, which included a five-set battle against Lee on Friday and a straight-set victory over Trevecca Nazarene on Saturday.
Bobánová Named Offensive Player of the Week
Bobánová led the Tigers offensively throughout the weekend, totaling 34 kills across eight sets while averaging 4.25 kills per set. She finished the two matches with a .293 hitting percentage, 14 digs, two service aces and three block assists.
In Friday's five-set contest against Lee, Bobánová led West Alabama with 19 kills on 58 attempts, adding eight digs, two block assists and a service ace. Her 21 points led the Tigers as they battled the Flames through five competitive sets.
The sophomore continued her offensive success Saturday against Trevecca Nazarene, recording a match-high 15 kills on 34 attempts with just two attacking errors for a .382 hitting percentage. She also contributed six digs, a service ace and a block assist as the Tigers secured the three-set victory.
Bobánová leads the GSC in kills per set (3.59) and points per set (4.08). Through 107 sets this season, she has recorded 384 kills and a conference-leading 436.5 points.
Zanini Earns Freshman of the Week Recognition
Zanini continued her impressive freshman campaign, directing the West Alabama offense with 92 assists across eight sets while averaging 11.50 assists per set. She also contributed eight service aces and 16 digs over the two-match stretch.
Against Lee on Friday, Zanini recorded 54 assists and seven service aces, helping the Tigers finish with 62 kills in the five-set contest. She added 10 digs to complete a double-double.
The freshman followed with another strong performance against Trevecca Nazarene on Saturday, finishing with 38 assists, six digs and a service ace. Her efforts helped West Alabama record 44 kills and a .227 hitting percentage in the straight-set victory.
Zanini leads the GSC in assists per set (10.29) and service aces per set (0.49). Through 109 sets this season, she has accumulated a conference-leading 1,122 assists and 53 service aces.
Looking Ahead
West Alabama concluded the regular season with a 26-6 overall record and a 13-5 mark in GSC play. The Tigers now turn their attention to the Gulf South Conference Tournament, where they will face No. 7 seed Mississippi Christian in the opening round on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 1:30 p.m. at Spragins Hall in Huntsville, Alabama.
The matchup will be streamed live on FloCollege, with live statistics also available.
