By Victoria Rosales

Staff Writer

Each week the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference chooses one student from each competing sport who has helped his or her team in a significant way. WHAC honored two of Cornerstone’s star female athletes as Player of the Week, September 14, 2009.

Marcie Blacquiere has been playing volleyball with Cornerstone for four years and has previously played since the seventh grade. “It was a huge honor,” said Blacquiere, who is a record-breaking setter for the team.

 The previous weekend the girls played in the McKendree Tournament where they were proven undefeated. “It was a good weekend,” said Blacquiere. The players, excited about the new season, were on top of their game and Blacquiere was able to get plenty of assists. 

 Although honored for the award, Blacquiere said she could not have done it on her own. Under the new coach, Ryan Campbell, the team works in perfect unison and everyone gets along great. “We all bonded in California, it was a really cool experience,” said Blacquiere.

 When asked what she thought about the team being red-shirted, she said she feels they could have done without it, but she is excited for what the season has in store. Blacquiere, throughout her many years of playing, has managed to never sustain a serious injury. Upon graduation Blacquiere plans to major in Business Marketing where she hopes to get a job in the medical field. 

 Blacquiere does not stand alone in receiving this honorary title. Ashleigh Lund, who plays defense on the soccer team, also received the award.

Lund has played soccer with Cornerstone since her freshman year and has been playing ever since the age of 6. “When I was little my sister played,” said Lund, “I always knew I was going to play.”

Lund can’t wait for the chance to defeat Aquinas this season. Like Blacquiere, she is extremely honored for having won the award, but could not have done it without her teammates. “We are a young team with lots of potential,” said Lund.

Recently, the team took a trip to New York where they had plenty of time to get to know one another.  “Some of my favorite moments are from the trip,” said Lund.

One moment in particular was the night all the players gathered in a Subway and sang worship songs with a man from Brazil. “It was awesome. He just sat down at the piano and started playing and we all joined him,” said Lund.

Lund plans to major in Exercise Science and pursue a job in physical therapy. She loves music and can always be seen with fun, flashy fingernails. 

 When asked what they are most looking forward to this season the girls answered “nationals,” with a matter-of-fact grin. Both girls are off to great starts this season, and hope to continue growing with their teammates.