St. LOUIS -- Missouri State's Lily Johnson has been selected the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Week for her performances during the period of Sept. 21-27, MVC Commissioner Doug Elgin announced Tuesday (Sept. 29). Johnson carries a 3.98 cumulative grade point average in cell and molecular biology.

Johnson averaged 4.50 kills, 3.75 digs, 0.38 aces and 5.13 points per set last week as the Bears (11-4, 2-0 MVC) opened league play with wins over Illinois State and Indiana State. Johnson hit .252 from the outside, beginning the weekend with 14 kills against the defending MVC champion Redbirds. She added 12 digs for the double-double, and also recorded three blocks in the sweep.

Saturday, the outside hitter from Wildwood, Mo., amassed 22 kills and 18 digs versus Indiana State, adding three aces and a .230 attack efficiency. In the fifth set alone, Johnson had four kills and an ace to lead MSU to victory.

Johnson's male counterpart award winner this week is Bradley soccer player Jacob Taylor. To qualify for MVC Scholar-Athlete of the Week laurels, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade point average of 3.20, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing.

Redshirt freshmen and first-year junior college transfers are not eligible. In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes will be evaluated on their athletic performance for a one-week period.