CHARLOTTE, N.C. - After being recognized as the FCSAA/NJCAA Region 8 Defensive Player of the Week for her play from Feb. 22-Feb. 28., Kariana Ayala took home the same honor from the NJCAA as well, as announced on Wednesday.

Ayala's name can now be found on this week's list of NJCAA Players of the Week at the NJCAA Player of the Week hub, which is linked below. 

Santa Fe Athletics has now had two student-athletes recognized with weekly awards from the NJCAA, with Ayala joining Cris'Deona Beasley from Santa Fe softball.  

Ayala excelled in three Saints sweeps, averaging eight digs per set. She recorded a match-high dig total in all three matches, with 24 against Florida State College at Jacksonville, 30 against Gulf Coast, and 18 against Lake-Sumter State College. 

The sophomore from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico and The Rock School currently ranks No. 6 in the NJCAA Division I in digs/set (6.0) and total digs (282) this season. 

The Saints, who moved up to No. 16 in the latest NJCAA Division I Coaches' Poll, will next take the floor on Saturday, March 6 at Pensacola State College at 1:00 p.m. (EST).

NJCAA Players of the Week - February 22-28