Shahala Hawkins was named Sooner Athletic Conference Player of the Week for her performance in leading the third-ranked Pioneers to a 2-2 week at last weekend's season-opening Embry-Riddle Labor Day Tournament in Daytona Beach, Fla.
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A 6-foot junior middle blocker from Denver City, Hawkins helped Wayland to victories over No. 11 Georgetown, Ky., and Bryan, Tenn., while also turning in solid matches in five-set losses to No. 4 Madonna, Mich., and Taylor, Ind.
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The 2013 NAIA First-Team All-American led WBU in kills in all four matches, averaging almost 28 kills per match (5.8 per set, which leads the NAIA) while having an attack percentage of .404. Her 32 kills against Taylor tied a school record. She had five aces (four against Madonna), 20 digs and 10½ blocks in the 19 sets.