MSU-N's Williams earns Frontier volleyball honor

For the second straight week, a Montana State University-Northern hitter has earned Frontier Conference honors.

Monday, Northern senior Kelsey Williams was named Frontier Volleyball Player of the Week. Williams is a 5-9 outside hitter from Helena. Northern went 2-0 for the weekend beating two NCAA Division II schools. The Lights beat Minot State 3-1 and the University of Mary 3-0.

Williams averaged 4.29 kills per set with a hitting percentage of .410 for the weekend. In 61 hitting attempts, she committed only five errors.

Also nominated were Anna Dewald of Rocky Mountain College, Elli Graff of Carroll College, Breanne Kelley of Montana Western, Keisha Luebbert-Kennedy of Lewis-Clark State and Mayra Ramirez of Westminster College.

UM-Western’s Sam Rutherford was named Frontier Football Offensive Player of the Week. Rutherford is a 6-1, 215-pound, freshman running back from Great Falls.

In Western’s opening season, 38-34 home win over No. 14 Southern Oregon, Rutherford rushed for 185 yards and three touchdowns on 11 carries. He also caught three passes for 25 yards.

Also nominated were, Pat Hansen of Montana Tech, Christopher McGinnis-Parker of Eastern Oregon, Jade Olson of Rocky Mountain College and Dakota Stonehouse of Carroll College.

Travis Bertelsen of Rocky Mountain College earned Defensive Player of the week. Bertelsen is a 5-10, 208-pound, senior linebacker, from Wibaux.

In Rocky’s 56-23 home win over Dickinson State, Bertelsen had four solo tackles, four assisted tackles, 1.5 tackle for loss and 1.5 sacks for losses of 12 yards and one interception. His interception was returned 30 yards for a touchdown on the game’s second play.

Also nominated were, Sean Blomquist of Carroll College, Casey Griffith of Montana Western, Gary Posten of Eastern Oregon and Mike Touzinsky of Montana Tech. Carroll College kicker Connor Smith was named Special Team’s Player of the Week.