ST. LOUIS, Mo.- University of Northern Iowa senior defensive specialist Candice Burke was named Missouri Valley Conference Defensive  Player of the Week the league office announced on Tuesday.

Burke helped the Panthers to a second place at the Luxe City Center Trojan Invitational in Los Angeles, California, over the weekend. Burke had 12 digs in UNI's 3-1 win over the Boston College Eagles in their first game of the tournament. In the second game for UNI, the Panthers had to take on No. 5 USC. Burke tallied 20 digs and two service aces, but UNI fell 18-25, 20-25, 16-25, to the Ladies of Troy. UNI took on the Mississippi State Eagles in the final match of the Trojan Invite. Burke had 18 digs and two service aces to help the Panthers sweep Mississippi State 25-20, 26-24, 25-20.

This is the third time that Burke has received this honor in her career. The No. 25 Panthers will face in-state rivals No. 18 Iowa State on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Ames.