A match-high ten kills and 15 points in a straight sets win over Loyalist College on January 26 helped secure the titles of Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Female Athlete of the Week and Women’s Volleyball Athlete of the Week for Trent University’s ownRebecca van Staalduinen.

The fourth-year Biology student from Peterborough, Ontario is a key member of the Trent Excalibur varsity volleyball team, averaging 3.2 points per set. Ms. van Staalduinen’s contributions on the court have helped place the Excalibur tied for second in the OCAA East Division with Cambrian.

"It is definitely an honour to be nominated the OCAA Female Athlete of the Week,” said Ms. van Staalduinen. “All the hard work that I put in during the summer with our trainer and continued into the school year has definitely paid off. Earning the respect of the league is a feeling that can't be described.”

"This is special recognition for a great student athlete,” added Bill Byrick, Athletics Director at Trent University. “This has been a good week for Rebecca as she was also recognized as an Academic All-Canadian and now OCAA Athlete of the Week. We are all very proud of her."

Ms. van Staalduinen and the Trent Excalibur face rivals Cambrian College during their next game on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 6pm at the Trent Athletics Centre. Trent will also host the OCAA Women’s Volleyball Championships February 20-23, 2013.