VALDOSTA, Ga. – Valdosta State sophomore women's tennis standout Natalie Rainke was named Gulf South Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Week, the league office announced Wednesday. 
 
Rainke, a native of Srubec, Czech Republic, ranked No. 42 in singles, defeated Delta State's No. 73-ranked Elen 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 Gulf South Conference play with the win.  Rainke also won in doubles at the No. 2 spot with senior Viktoriia Fedorova, 6-2. This season, Rainke is 9-3 in singles.
 
She is the first Blazer to earn GSC Player of the Week honors this season, while freshman teammate Alyssa Novoa earned Freshman of the Week honors on Feb. 12.