(Posted October 24, 2005)

Huntingdon, PA - Juniata College senior women's volleyball player Katie Laucks (West York/York) has been selected as the AVCA/Sports Imports Division III National Player of the Week for her efforts for the second-ranked Eagles. Laucks, who was also selected as the Commonwealth Conference Player of the Week, earns the national honor after helping Juniata to a 5-0 week, including two wins over nationally-ranked teams.

Laucks finished with 10 or more kills in each of the matches she played in, including 17 in a win over Carnegie Mellon. She opened the week with 10 kills and no errors in a conference win over Messiah. She followed with 15 kills, 5 blocks and a pair of aces in a five-game win over fourth-ranked New York. She capped the week by pounding out 13 finishes with just one error as Juniata downed 21st-ranked Eastern. Laucks hit .467 or better in three of the four matches, and also produced 11 blocks on the week. Her point total of 62.5 was tops on the team for the week, and she earned All-Tournament Team honors as Juniata won the "Wid" Guisler Invitational.

"Katie is having a terrific senior season," Juniata Head Coach Larry Bock stated. "She's kept us in so many matches, and has put this team on her shoulders in so many instances that this honor is certainly well deserved."

A two-time All-American, Laucks is enjoying one of her most productive seasons as a senior. Through 29 matches, she ranks third on the team with 285 kills and is averaging 3.48 kills per game. She is also second on the team with 73 blocks and ranks second in total points with 359.5. Her 34 serve aces are third-best on the team. Her efforts this season have moved her to eighth all-time in Juniata history in career blocks and career kills. She is one of just four Eagles to rank in the top-10 in those two categories.

With Laucks playing a critical role, Juniata is again enjoying an outstanding season. The defending Division III National Champions, Juniata is 28-1 through 29 matches, and has earned six wins over teams ranked in the Division III top-25. Juniata will close its regular season this week with a home match against Elizabethtown College and two matches at Emory University (Ga.).

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