OGDEN, Utah -- Northern Colorado's volleyball program got off to its first 4-0 start in NCAA Division I play last weekend, and the play of junior Allison Raguse was a big reason why.

And Raguse's effort didn't go unnoticed.

The middle blocker from Lincoln, Neb., was announced today as this week's Big Sky Conference Volleyball Player of the Week for matches played between Aug. 25 and Sept. 1. The honor comes on the heels of her earning Most Valuable Player honors at last weekend's 2008 La Salle Tournament in Philadelphia after leading the Bears to the tournament title.

Raguse notched 3.21 kills per set in the tournament and maintained an impressive .552 hitting percentage in the Bears' four matches. She also averaged 0.71 digs and 0.71 blocks per set in Philadelphia.

In a 3-0 win against Lafayette on Saturday, Aug. 30, Raguse connected for 16 kills on 19 attempts for a .789 hitting percentage. Later Saturday, she knocked down eight kills on 10 tries in a 3-0 victory against host La Salle.

On Friday, Aug. 29, Raguse helped Northern Colorado post a 3-2 victory against Villanova and a 3-0 victory against Rider. She had seven kills, three digs, three blocks and two service aces against the Broncos and 14 kills, a .458 hitting percentage, four digs and four blocks against the Wildcats.

She totaled 45 kills in the tournament.

This is the second conference POW honor for Raguse, who previously earned the award on Oct. 2, 2007. She also finished last season as a second-team all-conference performer.

Others Nominated: Mandy Daniels, Eastern Washington; Emily Beardmore, Idaho State; Amy Roberts, Montana; Jodeen Rademacher, Montana State; Brittany Stowers, Northern Arizona; Lana Zielke, Portland State; Maddison Thivierge, Sacramento State; Brittney Bisaillon, Weber State.