HICKORY, N.C. - Following wins over Catawba, Wingate, and Coker, Averie Dale has won SAC Defensive Player of the Week. This is her third career Defensive Player of the Week award, winning it twice in 2024.

The Hickory native finished the week with 14 total blocks (5 solo, 9 assist), including a season-high seven in Saturday's win over Coker. She had a big 13 kill, three block performance in the Bears' five set victory over Wingate on Saturday. 

In addition to her defense, Dale led the team on offense with 34 kills on a .481 hitting %. Her .643 hitting % in a 3-0 win over Coker was her highest of the year.