BLUEFIELD, Va. – Bluefield University sophomore defensive specialist Sienna Vitelli has been named the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Women's Volleyball National Defensive Player of the Week and Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Defensive Player of the Week following a pair of standout performances for the Rams.

The honors mark the first national and conference weekly awards of Vitelli's collegiate career.

A native of San Jacinto, Calif., Vitelli totaled 57 digs, nine assists, three service aces and one kill across eight sets in Bluefield's two conference matchups last week.

Vitelli opened the week with a 29-dig performance against Johnson University, adding seven assists, two service aces and a kill in the four-set contest.

The sophomore followed that performance with 28 digs, two assists and one service ace against Union Commonwealth in another four-set matchup.

Across the two matches, Vitelli averaged 7.13 digs per set, anchoring the Rams' defensive efforts throughout the week.

Vitelli has been a consistent presence in the Bluefield backcourt throughout the 2026 season, currently ranking second in the AAC with an average of 5.06 digs per set.

Vitelli and the Rams return to action Saturday for their regular-season finale against Kentucky Christian University. First serve is scheduled for 4 p.m. inside the Dome Gymnasium, where Bluefield will also celebrate Senior Night.