It is not clear why she is exploring her transfer options.

The Tacoma native has been a mainstay of WSU training for the past three years. And she has been perhaps the Cougars’ most impactful player over the past two seasons.

Pukis is sixth in the program’s all-time assists standings with 2,876. She has been a two-time AVCA Pacific North All-Region setter and was named All-Pac-12 first team this season for the second year in a row. .

She finished her junior campaign in a red shirt second in the Pac-12 and 23rd nationally in assists (1,195).

Known for her versatility and athleticism, Pukis has averaged 37.3 assists, 9.25 digs, 3.6 assists and 2.1 blocks per game this year. She recorded 13 double doubles – and flirted with four triple doubles – for the 20-12 Cougars, who fell to Baylor on Dec. 3 in the second round of the sixth straight appearance at the NCAA tournament.

Pukis was selected for the United States Collegiate National Team last year. She also received an Honorable Mention AVCA All-American after her sophomore season.

Selected twice on the All-Washington and four times in the All-League First Team in Class 4A Bellarmine Prep, Pukis helped the Lions win a state title in 2014 and a third place in 2016.

She donned the red shirt at the WSU in 2018 and earned an Honorable Mention All-American in freshman in her first year as a debutant in 2019.

Former Cougar volleyball player Julianna Dalton announced her commitment to the University of Pittsburgh earlier this week.

The 6-foot-5 outside hitter from Colorado stood out in her one and only season at the Palouse.

As a true freshman last year, Dalton totaled 151 kills to finish second for the team in this category. She was named to the All-Pac-12 freshman squad.

Dalton has not played for the WSU this year for unspecified reasons.

(c) 2021 The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Washington)