Aug. 28, 2006

Chicago, Ill. - After posting a stellar performance last weekend in the Chicagoland Challenge hosted by the Flames, UIC's Ambria Springer was named the first Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week for 2006, announced by the league office on Monday.

Following the three-match event, Springer was named to the all-tournament team, alongside fellow senior Katie Kozak. With a 2-1 record, UIC captured a second-place finish in the tournament.

Springer's 2006 debut consisted of seven total blocks, a team-high 17 kills and a .250 attack percentage versus Valparaiso on Friday, Sept. 25. The senior's dominating performance on the court continued on Saturday with a total of 29 kills, 17 digs and ten blocks against Loyola and DePaul.

After the Flames' opening weekend, Springer leads the squad with 46 kills and 17 total blocks. The middle blocker owns 20 digs and two service aces in 12 games.

Springer and the Flames face Northwestern on the road Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 7:00 p.m.