Tuesday, April 27, 2004

Valparaiso University's Karen Constien (Carol Stream, Ill./Glenbard North H.S.) was named the Mid-Continent Conference Softball Player of the Week after leading the Crusaders to a four-game sweep over UMKC last weekend.

The senior catcher went 6-for-12 in the series with four extra-base hits, six runs scored, six RBIs, and a perfect 5-for-5 in stolen base attempts. She hit safely in each game of the series and belted three homeruns during Saturday's doubleheader, including two in the opener.

She has helped lift the Crusaders to an 11-5 mark in Mid-Con play, and the Brown and Gold currently sit in second place in the standings. They will return to league action this weekend when they host third place Centenary in a key four-game series at the Valparaiso University Softball Field.

This marks the second time this season Constien has earned the weekly honor, also earning it back on March 8.