SPRINGFIELD -- Missouri State setter Carly Thomas became MSU’s fourth volleyball player to win a Missouri Valley Conference award this season Monday when the league named her its Freshman of the Week for her performance Friday at Wichita State.

    Thomas handed out a career-high 49 assists while adding 14 digs, four kills on .400 hitting and three blocks in Missouri State’s only match last week at Wichita State. Her 14 digs were one shy of a career best, while the Swansea, Ill., native’s 49 assists came against the MVC’s top defense.

    Missouri State is now 17-6 overall and 8-4 in MVC play. The Bears return home this weekend for matches against Drake (19-6, 4-6) at 7 p.m. Friday and Creighton (15-8, 10-3) at 7 p.m. Saturday inside Hammons Student Center.