PEORIA, Ill. -- Junior defender Bobby Smith (Springfield, Ill./Sacred Heart-Griffin) has been named the Bradley Country Financial Scholar-Athlete of the Week announced Wednesday after helping the Bradley soccer team to a pair of victories last week.

Smith has played in the midfield throughout his collegiate career, but made the switch to the back line and sparked a defensive effort which allowed only five shots on goal in two matches last week.  Smith helped the Braves limit their two foes last week without a first-half shot on goal.  Friday's opponent, IPFW, did not record a shot on goal until a 90th-minute penalty kick, while Houston Baptist did not put a shot on frame until the 55th minute of Sunday's contest.  An accounting major, Smith owns a 3.90 cumulative grade point average.   

Each week, a Bradley student-athlete is selected as the Country Financial Scholar-Athlete of the Week.  The individual chosen must be at least a sophomore in class standing and boast a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average, while displaying a level of athletic excellence.

Smith and the Braves return to action Saturday when they open Missouri Valley Conference play with a 7 p.m. match at SIU Edwardsville.