LIVINGSTON, Ala. – University of West Alabama freshman setter Rachele Zanini has been named the Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Week for the third time this season, the league announced Tuesday.

Zanini helped guide the Tigers to a pair of victories during the week, totaling 54 assists, 17 digs, four kills and one service ace as West Alabama earned wins over Stillman and Mississippi Christian.

The freshman opened the week with 24 assists in UWA's straight-set victory over Stillman on Monday. Zanini also recorded three kills on six attempts without an error for a .500 hitting percentage, while adding three digs and a service ace.

She followed with a strong all-around performance in Friday's GSC opener against Mississippi Christian, finishing with 30 assists and 14 digs. 

The honor is Zanini's third GSC Freshman of the Week selection through the first four weeks of the season. She earned the award in each of the opening two weeks before teammate Duru Seber received the honor in Week 3.

West Alabama has now claimed all four GSC Freshman of the Week awards to begin the 2026 season.

The Tigers return to action Tuesday, Sept. 22, when they host Union University in Gulf South Conference play at Pruitt Hall. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m.