Thanks to the big numbers they post and the ferocity of the point-producing term "kill," hitters seem to get the vast majority of attention in volleyball. Defensive specialists and liberos, while playing a very important role in a team's success, rarely put up the type of glittering stats that earn the spotlight. But it's hard to overlook the accomplishments of junior libero Emily Duran, who is enjoying a career season in 2012 and, as a result, has put her name among the all-time greats in the Chico State record books. Duran turned in another sterling performance in the trenches during the 'Cats' southern California road trip, and her outstanding play has earned the Corona native Wildcat of the Week honors.  Â
Duran piled up a combined 55 digs during Chico State's weekend matches against UC San Diego and Cal State San Bernardino, averaging a healthy 6.11 digs per set. She also contributed seven assists to the Wildcat attack.
Duran collected 26 digs Friday against No. 12 UC San Diego, but it wasn't quite enough in Chico State's four-set loss to the Tritons. Saturday versus No. 13 Cal State San Bernardino, Duran kept the ball alive to the tune of 29 digs as the Wildcats pushed the Coyotes to the brink before falling in five sets.
Duran is currently ranked fifth in the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) in kills (374) and is seventh in digs per set (4.35). She is also prominent in the Chico State record books – Duran is sixth all-time in single season digs per set, and her career average of 3.56 digs per set is third on the Wildcats' top 10 list.
Duran and the Wildcats are back at Acker Gym this weekend to take on No. 14 Sonoma State Friday and San Francisco State on Saturday.
