Southeast Missourian Player of the Week: Natalie Gremaud

Perryville junior Natalie Gremaud has helped the Pirates volleyball team get off to a fast start.

Gremaud led the Pirates past Central in the season opener then helped propel Perryville to the title at Notre Dame VolleyballFest.

"We've been working hard in practice ever since the beginning of summer," Gremaud said after the victory over Central. "We're just ready to come out here and play."

Gremaud scored the final four points in the first game of the team's victory over Central and drew praise for her play from her coach.

"Natalie does a phenomenal job," Perryville coach Dave Mirly said. "She's a great player for us. She's one of our strongest hitters, one of our captains, runs a couple of different spots on the front row and sets for us. She's everywhere. She touches the ball almost every time it comes over the net for us."

Gremaud again played a key role in the Pirates' victory over Notre Dame in the VolleyballFest title match. She led Perryville with nine kills and three blocks.

Perryville lost to Notre Dame in last year's Class 3 District 1 title match, something it hopes to avenge later this season.

The Pirates return to action at this weekend's SEMO Spike tournament at the Show Me Center.