SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. — For the second consecutive week, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College women's volleyball standouts Karla Melendez Martinez and Gaby Fernandez have earned River States Conference weekly honors, the league announced Monday.

Melendez Martinez was named the RSC Attacker of the Week for the third time this season, while Fernandez collected her fifth RSC Defender of the Week award of the 2026 campaign.

The recognition marks the third time this season the duo has been honored during the same week, continuing their impressive contributions to a Pomeroy squad that has already secured the River States Conference regular-season championship.

Melendez Martinez Powers Pomeroy Offense
Melendez Martinez turned in another dominant week at the net, totaling 46 kills across seven sets while averaging 6.57 kills and 7.21 points per set. She finished with a .330 hitting percentage on 106 attempts, helping SMWC earn a pair of four-set road victories.

In a 3-1 victory at IU Kokomo on Oct. 27, Melendez Martinez erupted for 28 kills, averaging seven per set while hitting .288. She also contributed 20 digs and four total blocks, finishing with 30.5 points.

The senior outside hitter followed with another outstanding performance in a 3-1 victory at Northwestern Ohio on Oct. 31, recording 18 kills in just three sets while hitting .424. She added eight digs, two block assists and a service ace, finishing with 20 points.

For the week, Melendez Martinez totaled 50.5 points, 28 digs, five block assists, one solo block and a service ace, demonstrating her ability to impact matches on both sides of the net.

Fernandez Anchors Defensive Effort
Fernandez continued her exceptional season in the Pomeroy back row, collecting 54 digs across eight sets for an impressive average of 6.75 digs per set.

The senior defensive specialist was flawless in serve reception throughout the week, handling all 33 opportunities without an error while contributing 13 assists and two service aces.

Fernandez opened the week with 29 digs in SMWC's four-set victory at IU Kokomo, averaging 7.25 digs per set. She successfully handled all 21 serve-receive opportunities while adding six assists and a service ace.

She followed with another outstanding performance at Northwestern Ohio, registering 25 digs, seven assists and a service ace. Fernandez again recorded a perfect serve-reception percentage, handling all 12 opportunities without an error.

Her consistent defensive play helped the Pomeroys control the back row and extend rallies throughout their undefeated week.

Up Next
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College will return home Friday, Nov. 6, to host Brescia University (Ky.) for Senior Night at the Jeanne Knoerle Sports and Recreation Center. First serve is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.

The Pomeroys have already clinched the River States Conference regular-season championship and will begin postseason play Tuesday, Nov. 10, at home in the RSC Tournament.

With the conference title secured, SMWC will look to carry its momentum into the postseason as the Pomeroys pursue a conference tournament championship.