FAIRFIELD, Conn. - Fairfield University senior Jazmin Pa'akaula (Hilo, Hawaii/St. Joseph) was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Defensive Player of the Week on Nov. 5 after helping Fairfield (18-10, 15-1 MAAC) to a 2-0 week.

The libero averaged 6.50 digs per game to lead Fairfield's defensive effort in a pair of 3-0 shutouts against Iona College and Manhattan College. Against Iona, she tallied 14 digs along with an ace and an assists. Against Manhattan, Pa'akaula tied a season best with a match-high 25 kills.

With her performance against Manhattan, Pa'akaula moved into third place all-time in career digs with 1,500. Classmate Lindsey Lee (Hilo, Hawaii) is the career leader with 1,623, setting the new standard on Nov. 4. Pa'akaula is also ninth all-time in career kills with 1,034 and became the sixth Stag in program history to reach the 1,000 plateau in both categories earlier this season. Pa'akaula is also seventh all-time in career aces (126), tied for eighth in matches played (124), and ninth in games played (422).

This season, Pa'akaula is averaging 3.05 digs per game and is tied for third on the team in aces (23). The two-time All-MAAC selection also collected 58 kills as an outside hitter before becoming a defensive specialist.

Fairfield wraps up the regular season on the road at Rider on Nov. 8 and Marist on Nov. 10. Fairfield will host the 2007 MAAC Championship, November 18-19, at Alumni Hall. The semifinals will be held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Nov. 18. The MAAC Championship match will be held on Monday, Nov. 19 at 7:00 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPNU. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and youth.