COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Helena Peric, a freshman outside attacker on the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Volleyball squad, was one of three players chosen by officials at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) as a Volleyball Player of the Week for matches held Sept. 17-23.

NJCAA officials made the announcement Wednesday, Sept. 26, in a news release from their headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo.  Peric earned the award for Division I players, officials said.

The 6-foot, 2-inch player from Smederevo, Serbia, anchored the Grizzlies’ 4-0 performance at the Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College Invitational Tournament Sept. 21-22.  She had double-doubles in three of the Grizzlies’ four matches, averaging 3.27 kills and 3.27 digs per set.  She also displayed her hitting efficiency, compiling a .424 attacking percentage for the tournament, NJCAA officials noted.

“I’m very excited for Helena receiving the NJCAA Division I Player of the Week honor for her performance during the 4-0 run we had at the Hutchinson Invitational,” Grizzly Volleyball Head Coach Paula Wiedemann said.  “We had a good weekend overall as a team, and there were many performances that made a difference throughout the tournament.  Helena played very consistent from start to finish, both offensively and defensively.  She played like a difference maker, and that’s what we need out of her time and again.  She has been working hard to improve her movement and communication on the court, and it’s paying off.”

For the full news release, visit http://www.njcaa.org.

For more information about the Grizzly Volleyball team, including a copy of the 2012 schedule, visit the team’s website at http://wp.missouristate.edu/grizzly/vb/.