Hardyman netted a hat trick on Saturday against Lawrence and racked up a league-high four goals over the two matches on opening weekend. In Friday’s season opener at St. Olaf, she assisted on the opening goal of the season and scored her first of the year two minutes later, the eventual game-winner. Then on Saturday, she again notched the game-winner and later scored twice in the span of two minutes to complete the hat trick. Hardyman leads the WIAC in goals (4), shots (11), game-winning goals (2) and points (9).
Other Nominees:Â
Lexi Ahrens: Ahrens began her senior season with a solid defensive weekend. In Friday’s win at St. Olaf, she helped the back line thwart a comeback attempt in the second half as UWSP earned the road win. Then on Saturday, she was part of a stout back line that did not allow a shot against Lawrence.
April Gehl: Gehl recorded two double-doubles in the four matches in Texas over the weekend and just missed two others. She began the season with nine kills and 14 digs in a three-set match against #7 Gustavus Adolphus. Later on Friday, she had 13 kills and eight digs in three-sets against Aurora. On Saturday, she recorded her first double-double with 12 kills and 14 digs against #11 Trinity. She capped the weekend with 10 kills and 20 digs in a three-set win over Cabrini. Gehl is third in the WIAC with 3.38 kills per set, sixth with 3.73 points per set and seventh with 4.31 digs per set.
Sam Bliese: Bliese had a solid debut as the Pointers’ punter on Saturday against John Carroll. He recorded two punts of 50+ yards and pinned the Blue Streaks inside the 20 on one of his seven kicks. In total, he had 309 punting yards for an impressive average of 44.1.
Sam Shafer: Shafer had four solo tackles and two assisted take down in Saturday’s game against John Carroll. He also broke up a pass on the opening drive to set the defensive tone for the day.
