ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Drake volleyball's Caroline Smith has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week, the league announced on Monday afternoon.
 
Smith played a key role in helping the Bulldogs extend their winning streak to nine games in their victories over Southern Illinois and Belmont last week. The New Lennox, Illinois native racked up a total of 22 kills last week including a team-high 12 against Belmont to lead the Bulldog offense. Smith was efficient averaging a .333 hitting clip in Drake's two matches. On the defensive side, she added three blocks.
 
Smith and the Bulldogs will be back on the court tomorrow evening as they battle in-state rival UNI from Cedar Falls. First serve against the Panthers is slated for 6 p.m. CT.