Four athletes receive Player of the Week honors

For the week of January 16, there were a number of ducks who received recognition at a higher level for their athletic achievements. Among them were Percy Bickford (Men’s Volleyball), Jess Broad (Women’s Basketball), Kyle Slendorn (Wrestling), and Kristen Williams (Women’s Track and Field). 

Senior Percy Bickford was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division III Men’s Volleyball National Player of the Week. This accomplishment marks Bickford’s first national recognition and makes it the program’s 14th, with Bickford being the tenth person in program history to receive the recognition. Bickford contributed to the Ducks’ wins against Marymount University, St. John Fisher University, and St. Joseph’s College with his strong performances, including 31 kills on 52 attacks with only five errors. 

Another Player of the Week honor came from the women’s basketball team. Graduate student Jess Broad was selected to D3Hoops’ Women’s Basketball Team of the Week for the first time in her career. This makes her the third person in program history to receive the recognition. Additionally, she was named the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Freedom Player of the Week for the second time. These recognitions follow her impressive performances against Arcadia University and Lycoming College, in which she amassed 51 points, 14 rebounds, 10 steals, seven assists, and five blocks across both games. 

Another standout was highlighted in the wrestling team. Senior Kyle Slendhorn was named MAC Wrestler of the Week, marking his second career recognition of the honor. Slendorn also received a consecutive MAC Wrestler of the Week recognition for the week of January 23. At the Budd Whitehill Duals in Williamsport, PA, he took the 141-pound individual title and went undefeated in each of his four matches. In the MAC Championships, Slendorn had three straight pins to reach the championship bout, where he then posted a 16-6 major decision to win his third MAC title. 

Finally, another impressive performance was recognized in the women’s track and field team. Senior Kristen Williams was named MAC Indoor Track Athlete of the Week. This milestone is the first for Williams. At the Alvernia Winter Invite, she set a new personal record and won the 60-meter hurdles in a time of 9.17 seconds. Additionally, she also competed in the 200-meter dash, in which she placed 11th with a time of 29.29 seconds.