ST. LOUIS – Following standout performances this past week, Julia Reis Pereira and Martina Ligabue have been named Heart of America Athletic Conference Defender and Setter of the Week, respectively. Both Spartans turned in career performances against Maryville University, helping MBU secure a thrilling five-set victory.

Pereira earns her first Defender of the Week honor of the season after totaling 77 digs across three Spartan victories. The senior libero averaged seven digs per set, highlighted by a career-best performance against NCAA Division II rival Maryville. Pereira collected a career-high 36 digs while also posting a perfect reception percentage.

Pereira is also closing in on a major career milestone, sitting just 20 digs away from reaching 2,000 for her collegiate career. With her recent production, she is on pace to surpass the mark within the next few matches.

Ligabue continues to establish herself as one of the conference's premier setters, earning her third Setter of the Week honor in just seven weeks of play. Across MBU's three victories, the freshman dished out 130 assists, averaging an impressive 11.82 assists per set.

Her biggest performance came against Maryville, where Ligabue delivered a career-high 65 assists to help guide the Spartans to the five-set victory. The freshman setter contributed in other areas as well, finishing the week with 24 digs and five service aces.

Pereira, Ligabue and the Spartans return home tomorrow to take on conference opponent William Woods University.