RUSTON - Louisiana Tech junior guard Erica Smith-Taylor was named the Western Athletic Conference's Player of the Week for her efforts in the Lady Techsters win over Illinois.

Smith-Taylor, who was a second-team All-WAC performer as a sophomore, scored 14 points, grabbed six rebounds, recorded six steals and registered three assists in Tech's 67-61 win over the Fighting Illini in Champaign, Ill.

However, Smith-Taylor's biggest contribution in the game came defensively as the Wheatley, Ark., native held Illinois' leading scorer Aminata Yanni to only six points on one of six shooting.

Louisiana Tech is one of only two undefeated teams in the WAC this season and the Lady Techsters will put their perfect 2-0 mark on the line in the home opener against Tulane Tuesday night.