USA South Decade Athletes of the Week - Week 2 (Sept. 8-14)
From the USA South Athletic Conference
In the absence of competition in the fall semester and its postponement to the spring semester, the USA South Athletic Conference will continue selecting athletes of the week. The selections, however, will not be based on current competition but instead the nominees will be those who earned an athlete of the week honor in a particular category within the current week over the past decade. Only athletes from current USA South institutions shall be eligible for selection. On to the Week 2 Decade Athletes of the Week...
FOOTBALL
Football Offensive Player of the Week
Michael Lambert, Huntingdon (September 9, 2019) - The senior quarterback from Cullman, Alabama tied the program record for touchdown passes in a single game with six in a 69-43 win over Guilford. Lambert was 18-for-29 passing with 336 yards and no interceptions. He also carried the ball twice for 12 total yards. Also Nominated: Eric Thomas, Huntingdon (9/10/18); Luke Bailey, Huntingdon (9/12/16); Trenton Shuler, Maryville (9/14/15); Griffin Roelle, LaGrange (9/8/14); Max Reber, Methodist (9/9/13); Travis Murphy, Methodist (9/12/11); Travis Murphy, Methodist (9/13/10).
Football Offensive Rookie of the Week
Nate Coffey, Greensboro (September 10, 2018) - The freshman quarterback from Sylva, North Carolina tossed three touchdowns in a 44-28 victory over Gallaudet. Coffey was 14-for-23 with 186 yards and zero interceptions, good for a 171.8 passing efficiency rating. Also Nominated: Kamryn Webster, Greensboro (9/11/17); Dylan DeGroot, Methodist (9/14/15); Travis Jones, Averett (9/8/14); Marsalis Jackson, LaGrange (9/9/13); John Pappillion, Methodist (9/10/12); Jacques Alston, N.C. Wesleyan (9/12/11); Jordan Vann, N.C. Wesleyan (9/13/10).
Football Defensive Player of the Week
Larry Murdock, LaGrange (September 8, 2014) - The Waycross, Georgia junior linebacker set a new school-record with 22 total tackles in a 34-28, double-overtime, win over Birmingham Southern. Murdock tallied 14 solo tackles and eight assisted take downs, including two tackles for a loss of four yards. Also Nominated: Antonio Johnson, N.C. Wesleyan (9/9/19); Jason Gerber, Greensboro (9/10/18); Franchez Marshall, Maryville (9/11/17); Mark Stanford, Methodist (9/12/16); Willie Marshall, Greensboro (9/14/15); Malcolm McCoy, Methodist (9/10/12); Navahri Holden, Methodist (9/12/11); Allen Stallings, Greensboro (9/13/10).
Football Defensive Rookie of the Week
Josh Jones, Greensboro (September 10, 2018) - The freshman defensive lineman from Fayetteville, North Carolina totaled eight tackles, three for a loss of 21 total yards and one forced fumble in a 44-28 victory over Gallaudet. Jones' forced fumble was recovered by the Pride and eventually led to a Greensboro touchdown. Also Nominated: Braxton King, Greensboro (9/9/19); Quinton Maxbauer, Greensboro (9/11/17); Cedric Brown, Maryville (9/12/16); Tevis Dasher, Methodist (9/14/15); Anthony Janezic, N.C. Wesleyan (9/8/14); Jonathan Vita, Methodist (9/10/12); L.B. Brown, Methodist (9/12/11); Navahri Holden, Methodist (9/13/10).
Football Special Teams Player of the Week
Hobie Proctor, Averett (September 8, 2014) - The Salisbury, North Carolina junior place kicker/punter made both of his field goal attempts, including a 28-yard game-winning kick with just over four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter to defeat Washington & Lee, 20-17. Proctor was also two-for-two kicking point-after-touchdowns and averaged 32.3 yards on three punts. Also Nominated: Joshua Tapscott, Averett (9/9/19); Bradley Jefferson, Averett (9/10/18); David Chappelear, Greensboro (9/11/17); Herbert Bridges, Greensboro (9/12/16); Brandon Boyd, Methodist (9/4/15); Dwayne Hollis, N.C. Wesleyan (9/10/12).
MEN'S SOCCER
Men's Soccer Player of the Week
Kelan LeBlanc, Huntingdon (September 9, 2019) - The sophomore forward from Enterprise, Alabama tallied two goals and one assist in a 4-2 win over Birmingham Southern, the only contest for the Hawks. LeBlanc assisted on the opening goal of the match before scoring twice in the 56th, 27 seconds apart, giving the Hawks a lead they would not relinquish. The win was the first for Huntingdon over Birmingham Southern in nine tries during its time as an NCAA member. Also Nominated: Chris Brown, Pfeiffer (9/10/18); Mac Puller, Huntingdon (9/12/16); Caleb Lucas, Maryville (9/14/15); Ian Meredith, Covenant (9/8/14); Patrick Braxton, Maryville (9/9/13); Eric McGinnis, Methodist (9/10/12).
Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week
Austin Bramhall, Averett (September 10, 2018) - The junior goalkeeper from Herndon, Virginia allowed just one goal and made 13 saves in a 2-0 week for the Cougars. In a 2-1 win over Ferrum, Bramhall stopped nine of the ten shots he faced. In a 1-0 victory over Guilford, Bramhall posted the shutout by making four saves. Also Nominated: Paul Lemay, Covenant (9/9/19); Jonathan Crossman, Covenant (9/11/17); Mitch Barry, Piedmont (9/12/16); Jon Taylor, Maryville (9/14/15); Thomas Palmer, Maryville (9/8/14); Manbi Nyepon, Greensboro (9/9/13); Manbi Nyepon, Greensboro (9/10/12); Nate Barker, Averett (9/12/11).
Men's Soccer Rookie of the Week
Andri Bjarnason, N.C. Wesleyan (September 10, 2012) - The freshman forward from Bolungarvik, Iceland scored three goals and tallied two assists for eight points in a 2-0-1 week for the Bishops. In a 2-1 victory over Guilford, Bjarnason assisted on two scores including the eventual game-winner. In a 2-2 tie versus Birmingham Southern, Bjarnason scored the team's first goal of the match. Finally, in a 5-3 win over Sewanee, Bjarnason notched N.C. Wesleyan's first two scores of the contest. Also Nominated: Taylor Bradley, Huntingdon (9/9/19); Jorge Aguilar, William Peace (9/10/18); Milan Card, Maryville (9/11/17); Errick Sturm, LaGrange (9/12/16); Ville Hautakangas, Averett (9/14/15); Julius Oskarsson, N.C. Wesleyan (9/8/14); Brent Seltzer, Maryville (9/9/13); Frantz Joinvil, Averett (9/12/11); Mark-Antony Liljeklev, Averett (9/13/10).
WOMEN'S SOCCER
Women's Soccer Player of the Week
Sydney Dorsey, LaGrange (September 10, 2012) - The Powder Spring, Georgia sophomore forward tallied six goals, including two game-winners, in a 2-1 week for the Panthers. In a 3-0 win over Huntingdon, Dorsey scored the first two goals of the match. In a 9-0 victory over Wesleyan, Dorsey recorded her first career hat-trick with three goals which included the first of the match in the second minute. Finally, in a 2-1 loss to Agnes Scott, Dorsey tallied the team's only score of the match. Also Nominated: Anna Rae Porcelli, Greensboro (9/9/19); Bailey Sipos, Maryville (9/10/18); Jordan Lanier, Salem (9/11/17); Jessica Wallace, Meredith (9/12/16); Anna Porch, Covenant (9/8/14); Katie Pedersen, Methodist (9/9/13).
Women's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week
Victoria Cruz, Agnes Scott (September 9, 2019) - The Duncanville, Texas first-year goalkeeper posted a 2-0 record for the Scotties. In 180 minutes in goal, Cruz stopped 15 out of 17 shots she faced. In a 1-0 win over William Peace, Cruz recorded her first career shutout with three saves. In a 3-2 victory over Salem, Cruz made 12 saves. Also Nominated: Kourtney Halliburton, Berea (9/10/18); Rachel Lemay, Covenant (9/11/17); Sydney Priest, Salem (9/12/16); Jaisa Loch, Meredith (9/8/14); Haley Hopkins, N.C. Wesleyan (9/9/13); Kelsey Hopper, Meredith (9/10/12); Samantha Lupo, Averett (9/13/10).
Women's Soccer Rookie of the Week
Myah Johnson, Agnes Scott (September 9, 2019) - The Pepperell, Massachusetts first-year forward tallied three goals in a 2-0 week for the Scotties. In a 1-0 win over William Peace, Johnson was held scoreless on seven shots. In a 3-2 win over Salem, Johnson recorded her first career hat trick by scoring all three of the team's goals, including the game-winner in the 87th minute. Also Nominated: Mackenzie Pruitt, Pfeiffer (9/10/18); Angela Niles, Greensboro (9/11/17); Meredith Priest, Greensboro (9/12/16); Jessica Wallace, Meredith (9/14/15); Katie Hodges, William Peace (9/8/14); Mandy Marshall, Maryville (9/9/13); Brenda Santamaria, Mary Baldwin (9/10/12); Felicia Pajamaki, Averett (9/13/10).
VOLLEYBALL
Volleyball Player of the Week
Hannah Shields, Averett (September 14, 2015) - The sophomore outside hitter from Keeling, Virginia averaged 5.75 kills, with a .256 hitting percentage, 2.63 digs and 0.81 service aces per set as the Cougars posted a 2-2 record at the Washington and Lee Invitational. In a 3-0 win over Southern Virginia, Shields totaled 22 kills, seven digs, six service aces and one block. In a 3-2 loss at Washington and Lee, Shields notched a double-double of 28 kills and 11 digs with four service aces and one assist. In a 3-1 victory over Lynchburg, Shields tallied a double-double of 27 kills and 15 digs with three blocks, one service ace and one assist. Finally, in a 3-1 loss to Wittenberg, Shields contributed 15 kills, nine digs, two service aces and one assist. For her efforts, Shields was named to the All-Invitational team. Also Nominated: Alonna Clouse, Pfeiffer (9/9/19); Caroline Corey, Meredith (9/10/18); Hannah Shields, Averett (9/11/17); Hannah Shields, Averett (9/12/16); Elizabeth Pattison, Meredith (9/8/14); Chelsea VanDyk, Covenant (9/9/13).
Volleyball Defensive Player of the Week
Karly Klimas, Methodist (September 8, 2014) - The junior defensive specialist from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina averaged 8.29 digs per set as the Monarchs posted a 1-1 record. In a 3-0 win over Emory & Henry, Klimas totaled 22 digs and one assist. In a 3-1, non-conference, loss to N.C. Wesleyan, Klimas posted 36 digs and two assists. Also Nominated: Bergin Gillespie, William Peace (9/9/19); Megan Andrews, Methodist (9/10/18); Maggie Hawks, Salem (9/11/17); Aspen Coggins, LaGrange (9/14/15); Estes Carlson, Covenant (9/9/13); Mallory Bonee, Maryville (9/10/12); Kelly George, N.C. Wesleyan (9/13/10).
Volleyball Rookie of the Week
Liz Widenhouse, Greensboro (September 12, 2011) - The freshman outside hitter from Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina 5.1 kills, 2.4 digs and 0.6 service aces per set as The Pride posted a 3-2 record. In a 3-0 win over Salem, Widenhouse totaled 14 kills, eight digs, seven service aces, one block and one assist. In a 3-2 loss to Guilford, Widenhouse posted a double-double of 25 kills and 15 digs. She also added two assists, one block and one service ace. In a 3-1 loss to Piedmont, Widenhouse contributed 20 kills, six digs and three blocks. In a 3-2 win over Peace, Widenhouse notched a double-double of 28 kills and 11 digs. She also added four service aces, one assist and one block in the win. Finally, in a 3-1 victory over Roanoke, Widenhouse tallied a double-double of 20 kills and ten digs. She also added three assists in the win. Also Nominated: Adrienne Roberts, Berea (9/9/19); Meredith Bonee, Maryville (9/10/18); Danyale Berry, Greensboro (9/11/17); Caroline Corey, Meredith (9/12/16); Keenan Marks, Averett (9/14/15); Hannah Blaylock, Meredith (9/8/14); Mary Katherine Schmitz, LaGrange (9/9/13); Cortland Phillips, Greensboro (9/10/12); Dana Sandknop, Greensboro (9/13/10).
MEN'S CROSS COUNTRY
Men's Cross Country Runner of the Week
Logan McKenzie, Berea (September 10, 2018) - The junior from Athens, Tennessee placed first out of 66 runners at the Berea/Centre Jamboree. McKenzie completed the 5,000-meter course in a time of 15:14 helping the Mountaineers to a first place team finish. Also Nominated: Gavin Morgan, Brevard (9/9/19); Nathan Galloway, Piedmont (9/12/16); Cody Parker, Piedmont (9/14/15); Eliot Kaufmann, Covenant (9/8/14); Sean Hagstrom, Maryville (9/9/13); Travis Wilson, Maryville (9/10/12); Craig Cicero, Methodist (9/12/11).
Men's Cross Country Rookie of the Week
Sair Salgado, Berea (September 10, 2018) - The freshman from Louisville, Kentucky placed third out of 66 runners at the Berea/Centre Jamboree. Salgado completed the 5,000-meter course in a time of 15:50 helping the Mountaineers to a first place team finish. Also Nominated: Chandler Lowell, Averett (9/9/19); Nathan Galloway, Piedmont (9/12/16); Clayton Thayer, Piedmont (9/14/15); Eliot Kaufmann, Covenant (9/8/14); Sean Hagstrom, Maryville (9/9/13); Chase McCulley, LaGrange (9/10/12).
WOMEN'S CROSS COUNTRY
Women's Cross Country Runner of the Week
Kristyn Zeiler, Methodist (September 13, 2010) - The senior from Lutherville, Maryland led the Monarchs at the UNC-Wilmington Seahawk Invitational by finishing fifth in the 4,000-meter event. Zeiler finished the race in a time of 14:52 to help the Monarchs to a fourth place finish. Also Nominated: Julie Tonon, Meredith (9/9/19); Lilly Smith, Covenant (9/10/18); Lilly Smith, Covenant (9/12/16); Spookie Eaves, Covenant (9/14/15); Beth Burgess, Covenant (9/8/14); Molly Mulholland, Piedmont (9/9/13); Morgan Youd, Meredith (9/10/12); Sophia Stone, Mary Baldwin (9/12/11).
Women's Cross Country Rookie of the Week
S.K. Lipperd, Covenant (September 10, 2018) - The freshman from Birmingham, Alabama placed second out of 22 runners at the Huntingdon College Invitational. Lipperd completed the 6,000-meter course in a time of 24:37, helping the Scots to a first place team finish. Also Nominated: Julie Tonon, Meredith (9/9/19); Caroline Diorio, Meredith (9/12/16); Macy Brinson, Meredith (9/14/15); Margaret Fitch, Covenant (9/8/14); Ann Chapin Meekins, Meredith (9/9/13); Emily Guillaume, Maryville (9/10/12); Sophia Stone, Mary Baldwin (9/13/10).
MEN'S GOLF
Men's Golfer of the Week
John Grimes, Greensboro (September 10, 2014) - The junior from Matthews, North Carolina finished first at the Greensboro College Fall Shootout at Bryan Park Golf Club in Greensboro, North Carolina by shooting a one-under par 143. In the 36-hole event, Grimes opened the first 18 holes with a one-over par 73 and finished the final 18 holes with a two-under par 70. His performance helped The Pride to a first place team finish. Also Nominated: None.
Men's Golf Rookie of the Week
Tyler Bray, Maryville (September 13, 2017) - The freshman from Lutz, Florida finished eighth at the Tom Kinder Memorial by shooting a one-under par 143. In the two-day event, Bray opened with an even-par 72 and finished with a one-under par 71. His performance helped the Scots to a sixth place finish at the event. Also Nominated: Sam Hill, Piedmont (9/10/14).