Nov. 10, 2008

MILWAUKEE - Junior libero Lauren Felsing of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has been named the Horizon League Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced today.

Felsing helped the first-place Panthers to two more wins this past week, setting a new single-season school record for digs in the process.

She also has reached double figures in digs in 51-straight matches, the longest streak in the league and the second-longest streak in the nation.

Felsing started the week with 13 digs in a three-set sweep of Cleveland State Friday. The Vikings hit just .070 in the match. Then Saturday, she tallied 25 digs in a four-set victory over Youngstown State. Plus, the junior had just one receiving error in the two matches.

Her season tally for digs is up to 542, besting the 517 Becky Peters recorded in 2005. She also has 1,254 career digs, placing her fourth on UWM's all-time list.

This is the third time this season Felsing has won the league's defensive honor, while teammates Becky Peters (offensive) and Natalie Schmitting (defensive) have also been recognized this season. Felsing has also been recognized for her work in the classroom this year, winning CoSIDA ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District First Team honors while also capturing U.S. Army Horizon League Scholar-Athlete of the Week and Month recognition.

Felsing and the Panthers wrap up the regular season this weekend with a pair of matches in Chicago. UWM faces UIC Friday night and Loyola Saturday afternoon. With just one more win, the Panthers will clinch at least a share of their sixth-straight regular season league title.