General | 9/21/2026 3:00:00 PM
OXFORD, Ohio - The River States Conference is pleased to announce the Player of the Week honorees for the past week.
All awards represent contests played from Monday, September 14 through Sunday, September 20.
Women's Volleyball Players of the Week
Attacker of the Week
Karla Melendez Martinez, SMWC | Senior - Outside Hitter - Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Melendez-Martinez delivered a dominant all-around week for SMWC, totaling 47 kills and averaging 4.27 kills per set across three matches. She added 24 digs, six blocks and two service aces while accounting for 52.5 points. Melendez-Martinez helped power the Pomeroys to a historic three-set victory over No. 22 IU Kokomo, ending the Cougars’ 56-match River States Conference winning streak.
Setter of the Week
Olivia Barber, IU East | Freshman - Setter - Rensselaer, Indiana
Barber handled setting duties for the Red Wolves, who won three matches this past week. The freshman averaged 9.5 assists per set, racking up 95 assists in wins over Campbellsville, Earlham, and Midway. She also added 14 kills and seven digs in the victories.
Defender of the Week
Gaby Fernandez, SMWC | Junior - Libero - Arecibo, Puerto Rico
Gaby Fernandez delivered an outstanding defensive week for Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, collecting 88 digs and averaging 7.33 digs per set across three matches. She also contributed 13 assists and four service aces while posting a .969 reception percentage on 65 attempts. Fernandez leads the nation in digs per set for the season and led the NAIA in digs over the past week.
Men's Soccer Players of the Week
Offensive Player of the Week
Saleh Ekuchi, Midway | Senior - Midfielder - Louisville, Kentucky
Ekuchi recorded three goals and three assists in the Eagles' three wins, including two game winning goals against Bryan and Governors State. The senior had two assists against Transylvania, two goals against Bryan, and one of each against Governors State.
Defensive Player of the Week
Landon Sorrell, Midway | Senior - Goalkeeper - Monroe, Louisiana
Sorrell recorded two wins in his two starts this week. The senior allowed just two goals, and made eight saves. His efforts included an incredible save from point blank in the middle of the second half in Midway's win against Governors State to keep the match tied.
Women's Soccer Players of the Week
Offensive Player of the Week
Lauren Gill, SMWC | Freshman - Forward - Leicester, England
Lauren Gill produced four goals, one assist and nine points across two starts for SMWC during the week. Gill recorded consecutive two-goal performances, beginning with two goals—including the game-winner—in the Pomeroys’ 3-0 victory over Governors State. She placed five of her seven shots on goal in the win. Gill accounted for all three of SMWC’s goals Saturday at Viterbo, scoring twice and adding an assist for a five-point performance.
Defensive Player of the Week
Sydney Miller, IU Kokomo | Senior - Goalkeeper - Plainfield, Indiana
IU Kokomo goalkeeper Sydney Miller delivered a solid week in net for the Cougars, totaling 22 saves across two road matches. Miller opened the week with four saves on six shots on goal in Wednesday's narrow 2-1 loss at UC Clermont before turning in an exceptional performance Saturday against Holy Cross. Facing relentless offensive pressure, Miller stopped 18 of 19 shots on goal to help IU Kokomo secure a 2-1 road victory.
Cross Country Runners of the Week
Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week
Thomas Hogan, IU East | Sophomore - Leopold, Indiana
Hogan was the first runner across the finish line at the Crimson Pride Invitational, as the sophomore ran the 8k course in 25:54.8. Hogan's efforts led the Red Wolves to the team title, defeating NCAA Division I Northern Kentucky and a pair of River States Conference opponents.
Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week
Emily Fleming, IU East | Junior - Sidney, Ohio
Of the three RSC programs in attendance, Fleming was the top runner at IU Columbus' Crimson Pride Invitational. The junior finished second overall, running the 5k course in 19:18.3 and leading the Red Wolves to second place as a team.
Golfers of the Week
Men's Golfer of the Week
Eli Stamper, Midway | Sophomore - Scottsville, Kentucky
Stamper was Midway's top performer at the Pretty Lake Invitational. The sophomore finished second after losing in a playoff. The Kentucky native shot a college career low of 5-under for the 54 hole tournament.
Women's Golfer of the Week
Peityn Gillman, IU East | Sophomore - Liberty, Indiana
Gillman finished third overall at the Orange and Black Collegiate, hosted at Stonecrest GCS in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. The sophomore recorded scores of 76, 73, and 73 at the tournament hosted by the University of Pikeville.