It was a season-opening weekend to remember for Saint Mary's University's Faith VanErp, who turned more than a few heads — racking up 136 assists — in leading the Cardinals to a 3-1 record at the season-opening Sugar Loaf Classic.
 
And Tuesday afternoon, the junior setter was rewarded for her efforts, being named the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Specialty Player of the Week.
 
VanErp was an assist machine in the Cardinals four matches at the Sugar Loaf Classic, dishing out 136 helpers, while also adding eight service aces and 33 digs. VanErp set single-match career highs in assists in her first three matches - delivering 30 assists vs. Marian, 32 against Lawrence, and 46 against UMN Morris. The junior also posted her first two career set-dig double-doubles.
 
VanErp and the Cardinals are back in action this weekend, heading to Superior, Wis., to take part in the UW-Superior Stinger Classic. SMU will face UW-Superior at 7 p.m. on Friday, before taking on Northland (10 a.m.) and Bethany Lutheran (noon) the following day.