Sept. 25, 2006

COLUMBIA, Mo. - (DALLAS) The Big 12 Conference announced today that Missouri senior OH Jessica Vander Kooi was named as the Big 12 Conference Volleyball Player of the Week. This is the second time this season, and this month, that Vander Kooi has won the award.

Vander Kooi led No. 22 Missouri to a 2-0 record last week, including the sweep of No. 5 Texas -- the school's first victory over a top-five ranked opponent.

At Kansas State on Wednesday, Vander Kooi scored 27 kills on 55 attempts (.327) and added 19 digs to the MU effort. The Hinton, Iowa native tallied the most kills for a Tiger in a four-game match since 2002, and the fifth 20-kill match this season.

Vander Kooi scored 19 points; recording 13 kills, five blocks and three service aces against Texas on Saturday. After rolling her ankle in game one, Vander Kooi committed only one hitting error in 32 attacks to record a .375 hitting percentage. In addition, Vander Kooi fielded 17 serve receptions without an error.

On the week, Vander Kooi averaged 6.86 points, 5.71 kills while compiling a .345 hitting percentage. She also posted 3.86 digs and 1.00 blocks in seven games.

In Big 12 matches, Vander Kooi currently ranks second in the conference in points per game (5.74), third in kills per game (4.65), and fifth in aces per game (0.47).

The Tigers will take on Baylor in the Hearnes Center starting at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday. On Saturday, the Mizzou squad will travel to take on Texas Tech.

2006 BIG 12 VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK Aug. 28: Michelle Moriarty, Texas, Jr. Sept. 4: Jessica Vander Kooi, Missouri, Sr. Sept. 11: Sarah Pavan, Nebraska, Jr. Sept. 18: Amber Sutherland, Colorado, Jr. Sept. 25: Jessica Vander Kooi, Missouri, Sr.