SAN BRUNO, Calif. — San Diego volleyball's Lauren Lynch has been named the WCC Defensive Player of the Week for October 5, 2026, the West Coast Conference announced on Monday afternoon.

Lynch, a sophomore libero from Burbank, California, had a team-high 11 digs in USD's 3-0 win over Denver on Saturday and passed all five serves she received without an error. She added four assists and an ace, and late in the first set she served three straight points for a 23-11 lead, setting up a Kierstyn Barton kill along the way before she finished the run with the ace. 

This is the first-ever WCC award for Lynch, who is the third Torero to earn a WCC weekly honor this season. She joins outside hitter Emma Brewer, who was named Freshman of the Week on September 21, and junior Kylie Munday, who was named the conference's Setter of the Week on August 31. Lynch is the first Torero to be named WCC Defensive Player since Olivia Bennett on November 24, 2025.

Lynch and the Toreros are back in action on Thursday night, when they host WCC rival LMU for a crucial conference clash at the Jenny Craig Pavilion. First serve against the Lions is set for 7:00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.