Player of the Week: October 8, 2012

Each Monday in the fall, one player originally reported as a recruit by AVSR Global is named AVSR Global Player of the Week for her performance of the past week and current season.

Player of the Week:Jelena Jovanovic

Florida Atlantic University
Freshman, 5'8"Setter
Home:Belgrade, Serbia
Reported by AVSR Global:July 2011
See Jelena Jovanovic’s bio at the Florida Atlantic University web site.

Last week’s action:

• The freshman led Florida Atlantic to its first victory in the Sun Belt Conference since 2010. Jovanovic, an immediate starter this year, guided the Owls over Lafayette-Louisiana 3-2.
• The win ended FAU’s string of 23 consecutive losses to Sun Belt opponents.
• Jovanovic scored 45 assists, 14 digs, two blocks, and two aces in the victory.

Excerpt from original AVSR Global report (2011):

“Veteran setter of elite teams and a light, swift athlete. She has the experience, poise and physicality to comfortably direct an upper/mid-Division I offense as a freshman.”

Special Mention:Stacey Niao

Illinois State University
Sophomore, 5'11"Outside Hitter
Home:Kawerau, New Zealand
Reported by AVSR Global:June 2010
See Stacey Niao’s bio at the Illinois State University web site.

Last week’s action:

• Niao propelled Illinois State past host Missouri State 3-2 for the Redbird’s biggest victory of the season in the Missouri Valley Conference.
• It was an all-purpose performance. Niao scored 16 kills at .310 efficiency, picked up 13 digs, and served four aces with no errors, including match point to end the fifth set at 17-15.

Excerpt from original AVSR Global report (2010):

“A former boxer and an explosive attacker, Stacey combines a strong, quick body with an aggressive mentality, clean basic skills, and a natural ease on the court. Her rural location has limited her development, but she's a solid bet to improve rapidly with collegiate training.”