TUCSON, Ariz. -- Arizona freshman outside hitter Sofia Maldonado Diaz was named the Pac-12 Freshman of the Week for the third time this season, the conference announced on Tuesday.

In the shortened 2020-21 season, Maldonado Diaz has received a weekly conference recognition three times, more than any player in Arizona history. Many Wildcats have been awarded by the conference twice during a season -- most recently Kamaile Hiapo's two Pac-12 Freshman of the Week awards last season -- but Maldonado Diaz is the first to be recognized thrice in a single season. Kim Glass holds the UA career record with five Pac-10 Player of the Week honors from 2002-2005.

Maldonado Diaz was a key in Arizona's road sweep at California last weekend in Berkeley. While her offense was once again impressive -- she led the team, averaging 2.83 kills/set during Arizona's two three-set wins vs. the Bears -- it was her serving that set her apart on the weekend. The freshman served eight aces in just the six total sets, averaging an incredible 1.33 aces/set in the sweep.

UA's serving was a large reason for its domination of Cal, with Maldonado Diaz leading the way. The Guadalara, Jalisco, Mexico native entered the week having never served more than two aces in a single match. In Friday's sweep, she doubled her previous career high with four aces. On Sunday, she matched that total again. She had half of Arizona's 16 total aces on the weekend.

Her eight aces vaulted her into the top five in the conference in aces/set (0.37 - 5th) this season. She is the top freshman in the conference in both kills/set (3.65) and aces/set (0.37), ranking fifth overall in the league in each stat.

Maldonado Diaz and the Wildcats have won four straight matches overall, and return to McKale Center this weekend, where they have won seven consecutive matches. Arizona, which is receiving votes in this week's AVCA poll, hosts USC on Friday (6 p.m.) and Sunday (12 p.m.) for senior weekend.