Sept. 2, 2009

www.SIUSalukis.com

ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Jennifer Berwanger of Southern Illinois University has been selected the Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week, Commissioner Doug Elgin announced today. Berwanger was honored for her performance during the period of August 24-30.

Now in its 11th year of existence, The Valley's Scholar-Athlete program is sponsored by Prairie Farms, Roberts and Hiland Dairies. On a weekly basis, the Conference honors its student-athletes for their athletic performance for a one-week period and academic success in the classroom.

"Our continued corporate partnership with Prairie Farms provides an important vehicle by which to honor our top student-athletes," said Commissioner Elgin, who is in his 22nd year with The Valley. "Our student-athletes are the league's best representatives, and we're happy to recognize Jennifer (Berwanger) for her athletic and academic achievements."

An outside hitter for the Southern Illinois volleyball team, Berwanger, a junior from Lake Zurich, Ill., earned Missouri Valley Conference offensive player-of-the-week honors while leading the Salukis to the championship to the NIU Comfort Inn/Suites of Rochelle Invitational on August 28-29. She powered SIU to victories over Stephen F. Austin (3-0), Northern Illinois (3-1), Illinois-Chicago (3-0) and Western Illinois (3-1).

Berwanger, who has a 3.86 cumulative grade-point average in therapeutic recreation and physical therapy, posted two double-doubles and paced SIU in kills in all four matches. While averaging 4.29 kills and 3.36 digs per game, she collected 17 kills and a match-high 20 digs versus Northern Illinois and compiled 18 kills and 17 digs against Western Illinois.

To qualify for Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week laurels, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.20, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing. In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes will be evaluated on their athletic performance for a one-week period.