Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Valparaiso University women's tennis player Rachel Janssen (Fort Wayne, Ind./Dwenger H.S.) has been named the Mid-Continent Conference Athlete of the Month for April.

The sophomore led the Crusaders to both the Mid-Continent Conference regular season and tournament titles as Valpo went 10-0 during April. Playing first singles, Janssen was 8-2 including 7-1 in Mid-Con action. She also teamed with Jill Dierberg (Saint Louis, Mo./Lutheran South H.S.) at second doubles to post an 8-1 mark. The duo has won ten of their last 11 matches heading into Friday's NCAA Tournament contest against Northwestern. Janssen also earned Mid-Con First Team honors for her efforts on the court.

Janssen is the third Crusader this season to earn Athlete of the Month honors. Volleyball player Lauren Moulton (Elgin, Ill./Larkin H.S.) and basketball player Tamra Braun (Savage, Minn./Prior Lake H.S.) earned the honor in September and February respectively.