JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - One day after being named the South Atlantic Conference Player of the Week, senior outside hitter Rachel Harper (Chattanooga, Tenn.) was named the Women Play Ball NCAA Division II Athlete of the Week. 

Harper inched closer to the 1,000 kill mark as she piled up 59, good for 4.21 kills per set in the Route 92 Showdown over the weekend giving her 921 for her career. 

As much as it each of these awards go to an individual, Harper recognizes that her team is to thank for the success.

"It means the world to me," Harper said about having more options on the front line of attack. "I wouldn't be able to my job without them. It's really nice to know that our setter can go to whoever is on the front line or back line."

The senior put up double figures in kills in each of the four contests including 17 each in the final two matches against Humboldt State and the Academy of Art. After 18 double-doubles in 2013, Harper picked up her first one of the season against Humboldt State with 17 kills and 14 digs.

With a .400 attack percentage with 11 kills, eight digs and three block assists, Harper soared out of the starting blocks in the opener against Notre Dame de Namur. A 14 kill and six dig day rounded out day one of competition.

Harper is the third Carson-Newman female athlete to win the award last year over the last year joining former women's basketball player Chante' Markus and softball player Kelli Hensley. Women Play Ball is an organization dedicated to female athletics.

- CN -