BIG RAPIDS - Ferris State University senior guard Kadyn Blanchard and men’s tennis standout José Perez have been named Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference players of the week. The honors recognize their individual performances during recent conference and regional play.
Blanchard, the all-time leading scorer in Bulldog history, led the women’s basketball team to victories that secured second place in the conference standings. Perez, a business data analytics major from Ecuador, earned the award following his performance in the men’s tennis team’s spring season debut against a nationally ranked opponent.
Blanchard averaged 21 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and three steals per game during wins over Saginaw Valley State University and Wayne State University. A Freeland native, Blanchard is currently working toward a master’s degree in Health care Administration. She totaled 42 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and six steals during that two-game stretch at Wink Arena.
In the victory over Saginaw Valley State, Blanchard recorded 22 points, nine rebounds and six assists. She followed that performance with 21 points and four steals against Wayne State. The latter win moved Ferris State into sole possession of second place in the conference. Since earning the weekly honor, she also led the team with 24 points in a road win at Parkside University. The Bulldogs now hold an 18-4 overall record and an 11-two mark in conference play.
José Perez earned player of the week honors after competing in the men’s tennis spring season debut against the University of Indianapolis on Feb. 1. Perez defeated the nation’s No. 21-ranked singles player in a seven-6, 6-three victory. He also teamed with Kacper Pasielak for a seven-six win in doubles competition during the same match.
Following his conference award, Perez helped the Bulldogs secure two home victories at the Ferris State Racket and Fitness Center. Ferris State defeated Spring Arbor University with a 7-0 score on Feb. 7. The team also beat the University of Findlay five-two in regional action on Feb. 8.
Ferris State men’s tennis will continue a five-match homestand in Big Rapids this week. The Bulldogs are scheduled to face Walsh University on Feb. 13, Calvin University on Feb. 14, and McKendree University on Feb. 15.