Monday, December 13, 2021
by Western Washington Athletic Communications

BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Western Washington sophomore setter Malia Aleaga was announced as a member of the 2021 NCAA Volleyball Championships All-Tournament Team.

Aleaga helped lead the Vikings to the national semifinals of the 2021 championships, averaging 11.33 assists and guiding the Vikings to a team .278 hitting percentage in five tournament games. In the quarterfinal and semifinals in the national championships in Tampa, Florida, Aleaga averaged 9.00 assists per set and also recorded six kills.

Aleaga was also one of four Vikings selected to the San Bernardino West Regional All-Tournament joining outside hitter Gabby Gunterman and middle blockers Olivia Fairchild and Chloe Roetcisoender. For the season Aleaga appeared in 25 of 30 matches (24 starts) and ranked 3rd among West Region setters averaging 10.96 assists per set.

“Malia was a rock-solid performer all season long and was a key to our offense by continually putting our hitters in a great spot to be successful,” said WWU head coach Diane Flick-Williams. “She is a special player that sometimes gets overlooked in her position and this award is great recognition for her efforts not only on the court, but as a team leader.”

National champion University of Tampa led the 12-player All-Tournament team with five selections, including libero Claudia Rivera being selected the MVP.

WWU won its fourth West Regional title in program history and advanced to the national semifinals for the third time in the last six seasons. The Vikings finished the season with a 25-5 overall record, making a ninth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Championships. Western defeated Daemen 3-0 in the national quarterfinal and dropped a four-set match to Washburn in the semifinals, falling just short of a second national title match in the last three seasons.