Lexington, Ky. - After a stellar opening weekend, junior setter Diego Estrada (Ponce, Puerto Rico/Adianez) was named the AVCA National Player of the Week, the league office announced Tuesday afternoon.

Estrada is the first Lewis player to earn the national honor since Tyler Mitchem did so on Jan. 26, 2021. Estrada is also the 12th player under head coach Dan Friend to earn AVCA National Player of the Week honors since he took over the program. Dating back to 2025, the Puerto Rico National Team member is the fourth MIVA player to earn the award alongside Daniel Fabikovic (Loyola), Parker Van Buren (Loyola) and Shane Wetzel (Ohio State). 

The reigning MIVA Offensive Player of the Week, Estrada he tallied 67 assists, two aces and two kills while averaging 11.17 assists per set in two victories last weekend. The Puerto Rico national team member had a then career-high 29 assists along with six digs and a kill in Lewis' 3-0 win over Menlo to begin the 2026 campaign. He broke his own career-high the next day against the Cardinal with 38 assists while adding in a dig and two aces of his own.

Through the opening weekend of play, Estrada's 11.17 assists-per-set currently rank fourth nationally while his 38 assists against Stanford currently sit at second nationally for total assists in a three set match.

The now No. 9 nationally ranked Flyers are back in action this evening against Roosevelt at home. Opening serve is set for 7 p.m. 

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