ELMHURST, Ill. - The Summit League named South Dakota State libero Shay Birath its defensive player of the week on Monday, after the senior helped lead the Jackrabbits to a perfect 2-0 start in league play over the weekend.

"Shay has a nose for the ball and reads attacker very well," head coach Phil McDaniel said. "She provides great energy to our squad and anchors our defense."

Birath earns her fifth career defensive player of the week award and first of the season after helping the Jackrabbits go undefeated on the weekend, with back-to-back 20-plus dig performances to open league play. 

The senior from Marshall, Minn., collected 20 digs in the sweep of Omaha, then came back to tally 27 digs in a four-set victory over preseason favorite and 2011 league champion, North Dakota State. On the week, Birath recorded 47 digs, averaging 6.71 per set and eight assists.

Birath and the Jackrabbits return to action on Friday against IUPUI, and then play Western Illinois on Saturday. Both matches begin at 7 p.m.