Missouri State senior Kate Hercules has been selected the Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week for the period of Sept. 11-17, Commissioner Doug Elgin announced yesterday.

Hercules, a defender on the Missouri State women's soccer team, was a key factor in the Bears’ double shutout weekend. She was the starting middle back in both Missouri State games and led the Bears’ defense as they blanked UALR on Friday and Eastern Illinois on Sunday.

The Kansas City, Mo., native who has a 3.71 cumulative grade-point average in actuarial mathematics, put the Bears up 1-0 in the 10th minute against UALR, as she headed the rebound of her own shot for the game-winning goal. Versus EIU, she recorded two shots and did her part on defense to keep the Panthers off the scoreboard.

To qualify for Prairie Farms/Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week laurels, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.00, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing. In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes will be evaluated on their athletic performance for a one-week period.

Missouri State battles Memphis tonight, Sept. 22, at Plaster Field. The match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.