BELTON- It is now time to introduce True To The Cru’s Players of the Week, presented by our gold sponsor, Sacrifice Training.
Offensive Player of the Week: K.J. Miller
Miller broke the UMHB program record for career receptions in the contest, surpassing the previous mark of 152 set by TJ Josey. Miller pulled in nine passes for 109 yards, and led the team in both stat categories. It was also Miller’s first 100-plus yard receiving performance of the season, and he now leads the Cru with 12 catches on the season. The native of Orange, Texas also had a spectacular 40-yard reception against the Whitewater defense midway through the game.
Defensive Player of the Week: Johnny Smith-Rider
Smith-Rider claims this honor for the second straight week, as he tallied a team-high six solo tackles, and added a tackle for loss. In total, he finished with a team-best eight tackles against the Whitewater offense. The sophomore linebacker now leads UMHB in solo tackles, total tackles, and tackles for loss.
Special Teams Player of the Week: Anthony Avila
Avila was on-point in his kicking duties, converting on his first field goal of the season, a 43-yarder. That was his lone field goal attempt of the contest, and he was also a perfect three-for-three on PATs. His five kickoffs traveled an average of 59 yards, and he is now averaging 58.3 yards per kickoff. For his efforts, Avila was also named the ASC’s Special Teams Player of the Week.
Volleyball Player of the Week: Ella Brunson
A sophomore setter, Brunson was exceptional through UMHB’s six matches this past week, including four at the St. Thomas (TX) tournament in Houston. She tied her season-high in assists (44) in the five-set battle with St. Thomas, and is now averaging 8.26 assists per set. Entering Friday’s duel with Whitman, she had just one prior match with double figures in assists, but in Houston, she recorded three straight 20-plus assist performances. Then on Tuesday night at McMurry, Brunson led the Cru in that category once again, tallying 20 assists. She also had nine kills during the week as well as 40 digs.
Men’s Soccer Player of the Week: Daniel Lyon
Lyon scored twice in UMHB’s 3-2 win over Our Lady of the Lake on Saturday night, making it the first multi-goal match of his collegiate career. Lyon scored in the 21st minute of the match, before finding the back of the net once again in the 64th minute. He played 62 minutes, leading the Cru with five shots.
Women’s Soccer Player of the Week: Kristen Burdick
The ASC’s Co-Defensive Player of the Week for the second straight week, Burdick helped No. 16 UMHB move to 4-0. She was a key part of a back line that held Our Lady of the Lake to just six shots, and shutout Texas Lutheran two days later. The Bulldogs were limited to just two shots, neither of which were on goal. Burdick also contributed in a big way offensively, scoring one goal in each of the victories. She scored in the 34th minute of the 3-1 win over OLLU and was also responsible for the Cru’s lone goal against TLU.
Men’s Golfer of the Week: Grant Carter
Carter was selected as the ASC’s Men’s Golfer of the Week, after opening the season at the John Bowman Memorial Invitational. He shot par in both rounds, finishing tied for second with a score of 144. Carter also set his new collegiate low-round total, with a 72. UMHB finished second in the team standings.
Women’s Golfer of the Week: Sarah Kmiecik
Kmiecik claimed her first individual win of the season, taking the top spot at the Lady Bulldog Invitational in Blanco, Texas. She matched her new collegiate low-round total, with a 70 (-2) in the second round of the tournament, and also played a key role in helping UMHB tie for first in the team standings. She shot a 145 over two rounds.
