Fernanda Perini was selected as the Heart of America Athletic Conference Defender of the Week for the fourth time in 2025 on Monday, Sept. 29. The middle blocker from Caxias do Sul, Brazil, tallied over a block per set in a pair of matches last week and 10 total.
 
Perini has started the season on a tear, winning Heart Defender of the Week on Aug. 25, Sept. 1, and Sept. 22. She is currently fifth in the nation with 89 total blocks and ninth in the NAIA with 1.31 blocks per set. Additionally, Perini is hitting a team-high .394 with 2.06 kills per set on the offensive side.
 
The Spartans went 1-1 last week behind their middle blocker's defensive prowess, defeating Central Methodist University in five sets on the road on Sept. 25, before a four-set home loss to (RV) Lindsey Wilson University on Sept. 27. Perini led the way in the win over the Eagles with six total blocks including a solo block and added four more with a solo against the Blue Raiders on Saturday.
 
Next up for the Spartans is the Conway Clash against Maryville University on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The opening serve is set for 6 p.m., in the Moloney Arena.