Missouri Valley Conference Release
ST. LOUIS – Illinois State's Courtney Pence has been named the Missouri Valley Conference female Scholar-Athlete of the Week, MVC Commissioner Doug Elgin announced Tuesday morning.
Pence helped the Redbirds to a pair of Missouri Valley Conference wins over the weekend, as Illinois State earned victories over Loyola and Bradley at Redbird Arena.
Pence's award marks the fourth week in a row a Redbird volleyball player has earned the distinction of MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Week. Jaelyn Keene previously earned the honor on Sept. 6 and 20, while Ali Line earned the recognition Sept. 13.
Pence turned in yet another record-breaking performance over the weekend, tallying 60 digs (8.57 per match) over the stretch, but it was her performance in Saturday's win over Bradley that stood out. Pence collected 39 digs in the Redbirds' sweep of Bradley – including 19 in the third set alone – to set Illinois State and Redbird Arena records for digs in a three-set match. Pence's dig total also ranks as the most by a Division I player in a three-set match this season.
The Valley's season digs leader (5.41 per set), Pence also chipped in three assists and an ace over the weekend.
A standout in the classroom as well, Pence owns a 3.69 cumulative grade-point average (GPA) as a small business management major.
To qualify for Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week honors, student-athletes must carry a cumulative GPA of 3.20 or higher, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing. Redshirt freshmen and first-year junior college transfers are not eligible. In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes will be evaluated on their athletic performance for a one-week period.
The Illinois State volleyball team (10-5, 3-0 MVC) hosts Indiana State (6-7, 1-1) at Redbird Arena Friday at 7 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets from the Illinois State Athletics Ticket Office, online at GoRedbirds.com/Tickets, in-person by visiting the ticket office at the north entrance to Redbird Arena, or by
calling (309) 438-8000.Â
