KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fernanda Perini earns back-to-back Heart Defender of the Week honors after helping the No. 9 Missouri Baptist women's volleyball team complete another undefeated week of play. The recognition marks her third Defender of the Week award this season and fourth conference honor overall.

The junior middle blocker continued her dominant presence at the net, delivering standout performances against Benedictine College and Baker University.

Against Benedictine, Perini made her presence felt on both sides of the ball, recording five blocks and 14 kills to help propel the Spartans to a four-set victory. She followed that performance with an even stronger defensive showing against Baker, tallying six blocks while adding eight kills in MBU's straight-set win.

Across nine sets, Perini totaled 12 blocks, averaging 1.33 blocks per set. Her impact extended beyond the defensive end, as she finished the week with 26 kills and an impressive .385 hitting percentage.

Perini and the No. 9 Spartans return to action Friday as they take on Graceland University.