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Ava Today
By the People, for the People
Mendel named Player of the Week by the GLVC for third time
Drury junior leads Lady Panthers to two road wins last week
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
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Drury University junior Sara Mendel has been named the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) Women's Basketball Player of the Week for the third time this season. Mendel led the Lady Panthers to two road wins last week, averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds per game on 70% shooting from the field. She recorded her 17th and 18th double-doubles of the season, including a 22-point, 10-rebound performance against William Jewell.
Why it matters
Mendel's consistent dominance has been a key factor in Drury's strong season so far. As one of the top players in Division II women's basketball, her weekly conference honors highlight her individual excellence and the team's success.
The details
Mendel, a junior from Ava, Missouri, has been a standout performer for the Lady Panthers all season. In the two games last week, she shot 70% from the field and averaged a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds per game. Her 22-point, 10-rebound outing against William Jewell was her third straight 20-point double-double. Mendel has now recorded six consecutive double-doubles and is tied for the most single-season double-doubles in Drury program history.
- Mendel was named GLVC Player of the Week on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
- The Lady Panthers posted a 2-0 record last week with wins over William Jewell and Rockhurst.
The players
Sara Mendel
A junior from Ava, Missouri, who plays for the Drury University women's basketball team. She is one of the top players in Division II, ranking second nationally in double-doubles and field goal percentage.
Reese Schaaf
A former Drury women's basketball player who holds the single-season record for double-doubles that Mendel is currently tied for.
Mara Rieder
A player from the University of Missouri-St. Louis who has won the GLVC Player of the Week award four times this season, the most of any player.
What’s next
Drury looks to extend its 10-game winning streak on Thursday when they host rival Southwest Baptist.
The takeaway
Sara Mendel's individual excellence and the Drury Lady Panthers' team success have been intertwined this season, as the junior continues to put up impressive double-double performances that have propelled her team to the top of the GLVC standings.
