Paal Named National POW

PROVO -- BYU senior Rafael Paal was named the AVCA/Sports Imports Division I/II Men's National Player of the Week Monday for his outstanding performance against Hawaii last weekend, becoming the second BYU player to receive such honors this season.

Paal, a 6-6 outside hitter from Rio di Janeiro, Brazil, led the Cougars to a 1-1 record against second-ranked Hawaii last Thursday and Friday. He registered 20 kills in Thursday's sweep of the Warriors, tying the school record for kills in a three-game match, and added five digs, three blocks and two aces while hitting .607 (20-3-28) for the match. He then garnered a team-high 17 kills, seven digs, four assists and a block in a 3-1 loss to Hawaii Friday night. Paal totaled 37 kills on the week for an average of 5.28, nearly two kills above his current season average of 3.31.