KARLA FAIRBANKS RECEIVES GLIAC WEEKLY AWARD

Ferris State Junior Outside Hitter Named North Division's Player Of The Week

Junior outside hitter Karla Fairbanks has been named the GLIAC North Division Player of the Week for the second time this season

The 5-11 Fairbanks registered 30 kills, 19 digs and five blocks in leading Ferris State to two league road wins last weekend (Oct. 3-4). She tallied 10 kills and four digs in last Friday's (Oct. 3) 3-0 triumph over Saginaw Valley State in University Center, Mich. Fairbanks then added a team-high 20 kills along with 15 digs in Saturday's (Oct. 4) 3-1 victory versus Northwood in Midland, Mich.

Fairbanks, who averaged 4.29 kills per game in the two outings, previously claimed the league's weekly honor on Sept. 8 after her performance in being named to the all-tournament team at the Grand Valley State Days Inn Classic (Sept. 5-6) in Allendale, Mich.

A 2003 team tri-captain, Fairbanks needs 119 kills to become the 13th player in school history to eclipse the 1,000 career kills mark. Fairbanks, who is presently 10 service aces shy of garnering her 100th career ace, leads Ferris in both kills (4.47 kpg) and digs (2.56 dpg) to date this campaign. She has compiled 10 or more kills in 15 matches this season and has posted eight double-double (kills & digs) performances.

The 2002 GLIAC All-Academic Team selection totaled 24 double-figure kills outings as a sophomore (2002), including a team-high 20 kills versus Wheeling Jesuit in the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Regional Tournament (11/22) at Allendale. She also placed second among the team leaders in kills (429), blocks (54) and service aces (48) while starting 30 matches. Fairbanks recorded five double-figure kill performances in her freshman campaign (2001) and totaled 10 kills or more in three of Ferris' final six outings.

Ferris State, which is currently 8-9 overall and 5-2 in GLIAC action, is scheduled to visit rival Grand Valley State this Tuesday (Oct. 7) for a 7 p.m. (EDT) league match in GVSU's Fieldhouse Arena at Allendale. FSU will then host Gannon this Friday (Oct. 10) for a 5 p.m. (EDT) conference encounter in FSU's Ewigleben Sports Arena at Big Rapids, Mich. The Bulldogs square off against Mercyhurst Saturday (Oct. 11) in a 4 p.m. (EDT) home league tilt.