TAMPA, Fla. – The Sun Conference announces the Player of the Week honorees for the week of September 16, 2024.
All 12 awards are based on performances from September 9 - 15.
Cross Country Runners of the Week
Men's XC Runner of the Week
Ethan Davis, SCAD Savannah | Gr.
SCAD's top finisher as the Bees finished sixth in the NCAA-heavy event, placing 15th in a field of 132 runners with a time of 25:41.45.
Women's XC Runner of the Week
Maddy Walter-Sherretts, SCAD Savannah | Gr.
Walter-Sherretts continues her impressive start to the season as SCAD's No. 1 runner. The graduate student finished fourth at the primarily NCAA event, leading the Bees to a third-place finish, including defeating NCAA DII No. 6 Wingate.
Football Players of the Week
Defensive Player of the Week
Evan Jackson, Keiser | Fr. - Defensive Back - Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Freshman defensive back had a career day as the Seahawks earned their second consecutive win over an NCAA Division II team with a 42-33 win at Newberry College on Saturday. The native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, produced a game-high-tying nine total tackles (eight solo), including 2.0 tackles for loss. His nine total tackles were a career high. He also recorded the first interception of his career, setting up the team's fourth touchdown of the game. He also recovered a blocked field goal which led to Andrew Burnette's third rushing touchdown of the game. Jackson is currently second to teammate Hunter Hargrave in the conference in total tackles (17) and tackles per game (8.5). His 13 solo tackles lead the league.
Offensive Player of the Week
Keely Watson, St. Thomas | So. - Quarterback - Jacksonville, Fla.
Watson had a career day against #8 SXU, throwing the ball for 258 yards and 5 touchdowns. He had a %74 completion percentage, eight yard average per attempt, and 138.2 passer rating.
Special Teams Player of the Week
Byron May, Keiser | Fr. - Defensive Lineman - Morehead, Ky.
Defensive lineman and special teams member Byron May had a stellar night at Newberry College on Saturday as the No. 1-ranked Keiser Seahawks extended their winning streak to 13 games. The native Morehead, Kentucky, produced three total tackles and recovered a fumble but his biggest play of the day was blocking a 39-yard field goal attempt by the Wolves which was return by Keiser down to the Newberry College 14-yard line. It ultimately set up the Seahawk's final touchdown of the game as KU picked up its second straight win over an NCAA Division II team.
Men's Soccer Players of the Week
Defensive Player of the Week
Jakob Schnitzler, Keiser | Sr. - Defender - Kaarst, Germany
Schnitzler anchored the Keiser defense en route to a 1-0 shutout at the New College of Florida, holding the Mighty Banyans to just four shots. He also assisted on the game-winning goal and has scored or assisted every Seahawk goal so far this season.
Offensive Player of the Week
Arthur Bello, Southeastern | So. - Midfielder - Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
Bello notched a two-goal week in three shots, leading to a 4-2 win over RV Thomas University and a 3-1 win in their conference opener over Ave Maria.
Women's Soccer Players of the Week
Defensive Player of the Week
Emma Schweitzer, Ave Maria | So. - Goalkeeper - Lutz, Fla.
Didn't face many shots in Saturday's conference opener against the Southeastern Fire, but when she did, Schweitzer was there with the save to post her second shutout of the season and sixth of her collegiate career. The three saves secured Ave Maria's first win over Southeastern at home in school history and second win overall. The shutout also avenges the last minute goal she allowed to the same Southeastern team last season in a game Southeastern won 1-0. The shutout was punctuated by her final save of the day off a free kick, again in the final seconds of the game.
Offensive Player of the Week
Sierra Bartley, Florida Memorial | So. - Midfielder/Forward - Ontario, Canada
Bartley topped last week's hat trick by scoring a career-high four goals in one half in the defeat over Florida College. The Lions went 2-0 on the week after squeezing by Webber at home, and now are a perfect 4-0 on the season, a program best.
Volleyball Players of the Week
Attacker of the Week
Kennedy Jones, Southeastern | Sr. - Outside Hitter - Rochester Hills, Mich.
Jones stepped up big in the Fire's two conference wins this week. Notching 12 kills in a win over New College of Florida and 14 more in a win over Ave Maria. In each game she also had a service ace.
Defender of the Week
Bianca Grassi, St. Thomas | Sr. - Libero - Livorno, Italy
Boasted 41 digs (8.20 per set) to help STU fend off Keiser in a 3-2 triumph on the road... added 10 digs and two service aces at Warner. currently leads the league in digs per set.
Setter of the Week
Payton Bertke, St. Thomas | So. - Setter - Celina, Ohio
Dished out 49 assists (9.80 per set) along with seven digs and four assisted blocks in a 3-2 victory at Keiser... added 19 assists (6.33 per set) and four digs in a 3-0 win at Warner.
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