A career-setting performance by Kylie Atherstone gave Cal Poly sole possession of first place in the conference and earned her Big West Player of the Week accolades, for the week ending Oct. 21. This marks the fourth honor of the year for Atherstone and seventh of her career. Only three players have won the award on more occasions.

Led by Atherstone's explosiveness at the net, Cal Poly extended its win streak to five matches after defeating Cal State Northridge and Long Beach State last weekend and sits atop the Big West leaderboard with an 8-1 mark. Against the Matadors, the Chico, Calif., native registered a double-double with 23 kills and 12 digs, while posting a .273 hitting percentage. She also collected four service aces and two block assists.

The following night against Long Beach State, Atherstone recorded a career-high 30 kills, including five in the decisive fifth game. She hit a .377 clip and added seven digs and six blocks (one solo, five block assists) to her weekly total. For the week, the 6-1 junior led Cal Poly in kills (53), kills per game (5.89), hitting percentage (.328), aces (7) and aces per game (.78).

The nationally-ranked Mustangs return to action this weekend when they welcome Pacific and UC Davis to Mott Gym, where they are 3-0 this season. Cal Poly entertains the Tigers Friday at 7:00 p.m. and then hosts the Aggies the following evening.

Others nominated: Avreeta Singh (UCD), Kari Pestolesi (UCI), Kara Uhl (PAC), Angela Hupp (CSUN)