KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fresh off conference recognition, Missouri Baptist libero Julia Reis Pereira has been named the PrestoSports NAIA Women's Volleyball Defender of the Week. The Brazilian native earned her first national weekly honor after recording 77 digs across three Spartan victories.

Pereira opened the week with a career-high 36 digs against NCAA Division II rival Maryville University, posting a perfect 1.000 reception percentage in the five-set victory. She also contributed nine assists and a service ace.

Returning to conference play against Clarke University, Pereira tallied 21 digs, averaging seven per set in the Spartans' sweep. She added an assist and a service ace to help MBU secure another victory.

Pereira closed the week Saturday with 20 digs against Mount Mercy University, anchoring the defense in another straight-set win. She also recorded two assists and a service ace.

Across the three victories, Pereira averaged seven digs per set and reached at least 20 digs in every match. She added 12 assists and three service aces during her standout week.

Pereira and the No. 10 Spartans host William Woods this evening, with the libero sitting just 20 digs away from reaching 2,000 for her collegiate career.