DALLAS (SMU) - SMU Volleyball player Kristen Peterson is ranked 28th nationally this week for her conference-leading 4.19 digs per game. Last week, Peterson was ranked 15th in the national rankings. The senior is only the second Mustang in program history to be recognized in the national rankings. Former setter, Tara Hatfield, was the first when she was ranked nationally in assists for four weeks in 2000.

"This is great for our program. Pete has done a great job defensively for us this season and she deserves to be recognized," head coach Lisa Seifert said.

Peterson, called Pete by her teammates, has led the WAC in digs for four consecutive weeks and has used her 230 digs this season to move into fourth place all-time in the SMU Volleyball records. Peterson is also just 19 digs away from her 1000th career dig.

Peterson came to SMU as an outside hitter, but has been playing libero since the NCAA implemented the new position before the 2002 season. The libero is a player who can replace any back row player without counting as a substitution. The libero, however, is not allowed to serve, block or attack the ball if it is above the height of the net and also must wear a different jersey than her teammates.

"Having our best ball handler on the court for five rotations has been very beneficial for us." Seifert added. "We have been able to extend some rallies and win points we might not have won previously."