VALDOSTA, Ga. - Natalie Rainke of Blazer tennis and Aniston Gano of VSU softball have been named this week's Steel's Jewelry Athletes of the Week.

Sophomore Natalie Rainke, ranked No. 42 in singles, defeated Delta State's No. 73-ranked Elena Palioura 6-1, 6-2 in VSU's 7-0 win over the Lady Statesmen last Friday.  VSU improved to 2-5 overall and 1-2 in GSC play with the win.  Rainke also won in doubles at the No. 2 spot with senior Viktoriia Fedorova, 6-2.  Rainke is 9-3 this year in singles.  

Senior Aniston Gano hit .429 for the weekend sweep at Delta State as VSU now has won seven-straight games.  She hit two home runs, including the go ahead homer in the top of the seventh with two out breaking a 2-2 tie in Sunday's finale for the sweep and a 3-2 win.  Gano went 3 off 7 from the dish with three runs scored, two home runs and a team-high four RBI.  She slugged 1.286 and reached base at a .692 clip with six walks and no strikeouts.  She had 21 putouts in 22 chances with no errors at first base and was part of turning a double play.  She has reached base safely in 19-straight games.  Gano now has 53 home runs for her career for fourth all-time in school history.