Oct. 8, 2007

DeKalb, Ill. - Junior outside hitter Irene Johnson (Schaumburg, Ill. / Schaumburg) became the second NIU volleyball player this season to earn the Mid-American Conference West Division Player of the Week for her efforts in the Huskies' two road wins over the weekend.

Johnson joins freshman Dani D'Ambrose (Addison, Ill. / Addison Trail) as the only two Huskies to garner MAC West Player of the Week honors and has notched a personal best three straight double-doubles. On Friday, Johnson led the way for NIU with 14 kills and 12 digs in the Huskies' 3-1 win over Toledo on the road. On Saturday, Johnson also helped spark NIU's comeback from a 2-0 deficit to Ball State, leading the Huskies with 16 kills and 12 digs in the 3-2 NIU triumph over Ball State. Johnson finished the weekend with 30 kills, 24 digs, five blocks and 35 points while helping the Huskies post their third consecutive MAC win and second win in 15 years at Ball State's John E. Worthen Arena.

"It's great for Irene and the program for her success this past week," said NIU head coach Ray Gooden. She has done a good job offensively and defensively for us. It's great to see her rewarded by the conference. We're fortunate now to have multiple kids win the award."

On the season, Johnson ranks third on the Huskies and sixth in the MAC with an average of 4.18 kills per MAC contest. Johnson also ranks sixth in the MAC and second on NIU with 4.73 digs per MAC contest.

The Huskies face Akron on Friday, October 12 at 5 p.m. in Akron, Ohio.

-NIU