VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State football senior defensive back Cory Roberts and sophomore women's soccer forward Bailey Hern were named Steel's Jewelry Blazer Athletes of the Week. This is the first weekly honor of the season for both Roberts and Hern. 

Roberts, a native of Pensacola, Fla., recorded nine tackles, and eight solo stops, along with his first interception of the season in the No. 2-ranked Blazers' thrilling 36-34 victory against No. 3-ranked West Georgia on Saturday.  For the season, Roberts has recorded 36 solo tackles, 47 total tackles, two sacks, 2.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and two hurries.  Roberts was named Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Week for the first time this season Monday.  
 
Hern, a native of Zephyrhills, Fla., recorded her fifth and sixth goals of the season over this past weekend. She scored off a through ball from senior Lyana Steele in VSU's 2-1, double overtime loss at Montevallo on Oct. 29, and Hern scored the Blazers' eventual game-winning goal in the 79th minute off a corner kick from senior Kyleigh Reedy in the 2-1 victory at Auburn Montgomery Sunday.  
 
This season, Hern has logged 968 minutes and has played in all 16 games for the Blazers with 12 starts.  She has four assists, six goals, and 36 shots.  For her career she has played in 23 matches for the Blazers with eight goals, 52 shots, and 1,315 minutes.  

The No. 2 Blazer football team hosts North Greenville on Saturday, Nov. 6 at 3 p.m., at Bazemore-Hyder Stadium for Homecoming and Senior Day.  Tickets are on sale in the VSU Athletic Ticket Office or by calling 229-333-SEAT (7328).

Blazer soccer is back in action on Thursday on the road against West Georgia for the Red Clay Rivalry matchup to close out the 2021 regular season.  The Gulf South Conference Championship begins on Sunday, Nov. 7, on campus sites, while the semifinals and championship are scheduled for Nov. 11-13, at Ashton Brosnaham Park in Pensacola, Fla.

Check back with vstateblazers.com for information throughout the season on all 12 Blazer intercollegiate athletic teams or follow Blazer Athletics on social media.