MIAC Athletes of Week: 9.24.13

WINONA, Minn. — When it comes to tournament time, Saint Mary's University's Lexi Assimos seems to always be at the top of her game.

For the third time in as many tournaments, Assimos was named to the all-tournament team last weekend at the Ripon Red Hawk Invitational, after helping the SMU volleyball team to a perfect 4-0 record and the tournament title.

And Monday afternoon, Assimos — who was also named to the Ground Round Sugar Loaf Classic and North Park Viking Clash all-tournament teams this season — was recognized for her latest all-tournament effort, as the Cardinal senior was named Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Setter of the Week.

Assimos opened a busy week for the red-hot Cardinals with nine kills and 33 assists in a 3-1, MIAC-opening win over Bethel last Wednesday, then followed that up with 142 assists — not to mention 14 kills, six aces, 30 digs and nine blocks — in the Cardinals' four-match run through the Ripon Red Hawk Invitational.

Assimos — who currently ranks fifth in SMU program history with 2,531 career assists — recorded a season-high 41 assists against Ripon last Saturday. It was the third time this season and 23rd time in her career that Assimos has recorded 40 or more assists.

With their five wins last week, the Cardinals pushed their winning streak to a school record-tying 11 straight. SMU (1-0 MIAC, 12-2 overall) plays three MIAC games this week — traveling to Macalester on Tuesday, before hosting Saint Benedict and Concordia Friday and Saturday at the SMU Gym.