![Staf Jankiewicz](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/389/2017/09/12064130/StafJankiewicz630.jpg)
By ISU Sports Information
ST. LOUIS – Illinois State setter Stef Jankiewicz has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week, the league announced Monday in its weekly volleyball awards release.
The weekly award is Jankiewicz’s fifth such accolade this season. She is one of only four Valley players in league history to earn freshman of the week honors five times or more.
A freshman from Farmington Hills, Michigan, Jankiewicz turned in a strong performance in Illinois State’s only match over the past week, dishing out 57 assists and collecting 15 digs in the ’Redbirds 3-1 win at Bradley on Saturday.
The double-double was Jankiewicz’s 15th of the season – and fifth over her past six matches – and the 57 assists marked a career high in a four-set match. Jankiewicz currently ranks second in The Valley in both total assists (1,191) and assists per set (10.83).
Jankiewicz is the second Redbird to earn five MVC weekly awards this season. Junior libero Courtney Pence is a five-time MVC Defensive Player of the Week, and broke the league record for defensive player of the week awards in a career, with her 10th on Nov. 6.
The Illinois State volleyball team hosts its final two regular-season matches this weekend at Redbird Arena. The Redbirds will welcome Indiana State on Friday and Evansville on Saturday, with both matches set for 7 p.m. starts.