ORLANDO, Fla. - Florida Southern College volleyball libero Nako Sasaki was named the Sunshine State Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Sasaki earns the honor for the third time in her career and is the first Moc to earn a weekly award this season.

The junior led the league with 6.00 digs per set through the opening weekend of conference play. In the Mocs' 3-0 win over Saint Leo on Friday, Sasaki totaled 23 digs in just three sets of play while also contributing eight assists and three aces. Her 23 digs are tied for the most by an SSC player in a three-set match this season.

Sasaki followed up with 19 digs, six assists and an ace against No. 3 Tampa on Saturday. Through both games, Sasaki maintained a .960 reception percentage, allowing just one error on 25 attempts.

The Japan native currently ranks second in the league with her 4.50 digs per set on the season. Sasaki is the reigning SSC Defensive Player of the Year after a breakout sophomore campaign for the Mocs where she averaged 4.96 digs per set.

FSC continues the conference slate this weekend with two home matches against Embry-Riddle and Rollins. The Eagles visit George W. Jenkins Field House on Friday with a 7:00 p.m. start time followed up by the Tars on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.