True To The Cru's Players of the Week presented by The Best of Belton

BELTON-The votes have been counted, and it is now time to announce True To The Cru’s Players of the Week presented by The Best of Belton.

As we continue to rotate our sponsors of True To The Cru’s Players of the Week, we would like to recognize The Best of Belton, which is doing great things for the Belton area. A comprehensive website for all things Belton, be sure to visit TheBestofBelton.com and check out the business directory, reviews on local businesses and places, as well as a marketplace and news center. Follow The Best of Belton on social media too! @TheBestOfBelton on Twitter/Facebook, thebestofbelton on Instagram.

Offensive Player of the Week: Offensive Line

With UMHB keeping the ball on the ground more than typical, the Crusader offensive line was a key force in the run game success. UMHB tallied 368 rushing yards, the most in five games this season, and it also marked the first time the Cru rushed for over 300 yards since the road win on Nov. 13 of last season at McMurry. Additionally, the offensive line paved the way for two rushing touchdowns, and did not allow a sack for the third time this year.

The offensive line picked up 72 percent of the vote.

Defensive Player of the Week: Durand Hill

Hill had a tremendous performance from his position at middle linebacker, leading the team in tackles, with 13. He was the only UMHB player with double-digit tackles, and now leads the Cru in tackles this season, with 37.0. Four of those 13 tackles were solo tackles, and two went for a loss.

Hill earned 83 percent of the vote.

Special Teams Player of the Week: K.J. Miller

Miller now holds the NCAA D-III career record in punt return yardage, with 1,585 yards, besting the previous mark by 35 yards. The senior returned a pair of punts in Saturday’s win for 65 yards, with his 49-yarder just before halftime breaking the record. Miller is averaging 21.3 yards per punt return this season.

Miller had 78 percent of the vote.

Volleyball Player of the Week: Kaylie Vasil

In UMHB’s two matches on Saturday, both at Howard Payne, the Crusaders got back into the win column in back-to-back sweeps. Leading the offensive attack was Vasil, who led UMHB in kills in both matches. In the first contest, she hit for a percentage of .265, with 14 kills. In match two, her 10 kills led the way to the 3-0 victory. In both matches, Vasil was the only Crusader with double figures in kills. And to hit for a percentage above .265 in both matches is notable.

Women’s Soccer Player of the Week: Shay Taylor

Taylor was named the ASC’s Co-Defensive Player of the Week as well, anchoring a back line in UMHB’s shutouts of LeTourneau and ETBU. The victories opened the Cru’s ASC slate, and moved UMHB to 9-0. Taylor contributed to a back line that limited LETU to just three shots on Thursday, playing 68 minutes, and also played a full 90 minutes against ETBU, as the Tigers were held to just one shot on goal.

Men’s Soccer Player of the Week: Brody Conley

Conley earned ASC Defensive Player of the Week honors, leading UMHB to consecutive shutouts. A midfielder who has started every game for the Cru this season, Conley scored a goal in the 3-0 win at ETBU on Saturday, He also contributed to a defensive effort that saw UMHB hold LETU and ETBU to a total of six shots in the first weekend of ASC play.

Men’s Tennis Player of the Week: Andre Maltzahn

Maltzahn had a strong showing at the UMHB men’s tennis team’s final tournament of the fall in Abilene. After dropping his first singles match of the day, the sophomore bounced back with three straight wins, reaching the Draw B Singles C-Final. In doubles play, Maltzahn and Drew Gonzales won in three consecutive rounds, reaching the Draw B Doubles Final.