Cruse Aea and Delaney Pechnik have been named the February Raising Cane's Spartan Athletes of the Month.

Aea, a graduate student and libero for the men's volleyball team, anchored the Spartan defense across 39 sets during the month. He secured 133 total digs, 15 receptions and 29 assists to average 3.41 digs and 0.74 assists per set.

Aea recorded a career-high 20 digs in a match against UHSP on Feb. 17, 2026.

Pechnik earned the female selection after leading the women's lacrosse team on a 3-0 run to start the season.

Playing attack, midfield and defense, Pechnik accounted for 23 points over three games, including 16 goals, seven assists and 22 draw controls.

She also scored a game-winning goal in a 13-10 victory over Quincy University on Feb. 13, 2026.

Pechnik was named the Heart Offensive Player of the Week on Feb. 17, 2026 and the Heart Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week on Feb. 23.

The Raising Cane's Athlete of the Month award recognizes outstanding performances by Missouri Baptist University student-athletes throughout the academic year.