Kyra Holt found her voice on the volleyball court as a senior playing for Washington State.Last weekend, she lost it, but not before leading her Cougars (12-2) to victories over two top-10 opponents in a three-day span.Washington State debuted in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll at No. 17 on Monday, following wins over previously unbeaten Washington and UCLA. It was the Cougars first win in Seattle since 2001 and first in Los Angeles since 1997.Credit Holt, the espnW volleyball player of the week, for amassing 39 kills and 21 digs in the two matches. Those numbers make her the fifth player in Cougars history to reach 1,000 kills and 1,000 digs in a career.Hoarse after Fridays win at the Huskies gym, where a hearty contingent of Cougar fans turned out despite a five-hour trek, Holt said, Its just awesome. I have no words.Coach Jen Greeny touts Holt, an outside hitter, as an all-around threat who keeps opponents off-balance with her versatility.Teams focus on her offense, but shes a solid passer, a great server, and defensively, she does great things as well, Greeny said.Greeny said Holts leadership has been key in making the Cougars a factor in the Pac-12.Shell call her own timeouts and try to get her teammates to focus in practice, Greeny said. Shes also coachable in that you can get on her, and shell take that feedback and make changes.Holt was AVCA Pacific North Region Freshman of the Year in 2013 and All-Pac-12 first team last season. For the past two years, she has been a tri-captain for the Cougars.We have a lot of underclassmen, and were finally figuring out how to play, said Holt, a mentor to the teams middle hitters in particular. Ive been letting them know its OK to make a mistake, as long as youre trying your best.In addition to Holts weekend numbers, sophomore Claire Martin had 15 block assists and freshman Alexis Dirige had 43 digs in the two matches. Martin is the reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week. Holt picked up the conferences offensive honors.We didnt have a lot of middle threats last year, Holt said. It makes my job a lot easier. I dont have to kill the ball every single time. I do get a lot of attacks, which I love, but having a middle attack like ours makes opponents respect our middle.Washington States victory over UCLA was especially significant because the Cougars had dropped 11 straight five-set matches, including one to Baylor on Sept. 17.Last year, we went to five sets with UCLA and Arizona State, and those were just heartbreakers, Holt said. I knew going into the fifth we were not going to lose because Im so sick of losing them.Holt didnt start playing volleyball until she joined her best friend for tryouts in eighth grade. The longtime basketball player, whose father starred at UC Riverside before turning professional in Malta, planned to compete in both sports at Albany High near her hometown, Hercules, California. When she fainted in basketball practice as a freshman, Holt changed her mind.I had been dribbling since I learned how to walk and wanted to be like my dad, she said. I wasnt eating properly and decided I didnt want to do both.The human development major, who plans to become a high school teacher, is excited the Cougars are in the mix in a Pac-12 that boasts eight teams in the top 25. Washington at No. 7, Stanford at No. 9 and UCLA at No. 12 remain ranked ahead of Washington State.We definitely fly under the radar, Holt said. When we have won, well hear its because the other team played bad, and thats been frustrating.Stanford, the nations top blocking team, is next on the schedule, on Friday. Holt, well, lets just say shes excited.I want to play them tonight, she said Sunday. Were ready. Jimmy Garoppolo Womens Jersey . Miikka Kiprusoff had just announced his retirement after a decade-long run in Calgary and it would be up to Berra and Ramo to fill the void. Solomon Thomas Youth Jersey . -- In a span of seven Washington Redskins offensive plays, Justin Tuck sacked Robert Griffin III four times. http://www.49ersrookiestore.com/49ers-Tom-Rathman-Jersey/ . Now tied for second in the league in shootout goals, the 24-year-old likes to see what the opposing goaltender has in store before he ultimately lands on a move. Nick Bosa Womens Jersey .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Matt Breida Jersey . Now that hes hitting streaking teammates with pin-point passes for easy layups, Love is asserting himself as one of the true superstars in the league. KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- Two Western Michigan football players were kicked off the team Sunday after a prosecutor announced they would face three criminal charges for allegedly pushing their way into a womans apartment and robbing her.Kalamazoo County Prosecutor Jeff Getting says his office has authorized charges of armed robbery, first-degree home invasion and larceny in a building against linebacker Ron George and wide receiver Bryson White. Getting says if convicted on all the charges, they could face life in prison.dddddddddddd The two remain in custody pending their arraignment Monday.Getting says he doesnt know if either has hired an attorney.The two men are accused of using a gun and knife to rob a woman about 9 p.m. Friday.Western Michigan coach P.J. Fleck said he would have no further comment. ' ' '