As we approach midseason in most fall sports, our student athletes are fully committed to their respective sports. Throughout each of Northwestern’s fall sports rosters, several students have stepped into leadership roles, whether that means supporting fellow teammates or being an outstanding player. On Oct. two, two athletes were recognized for their outstanding performances during not only the past week, but throughout the season.
The title of American State Banks Raider Athletes of the week was given to Jazlin De Haan and Stan van den Beld.
De Haan, a junior physical education major from Orange City, has had an exceptional season. In the Raiders win against #6 Viterbo (Wis.), De Haan racked up 27 kills, a new career high.
This personal best paired with an astounding 25 digs helped De Haan notch her eighth double-double of the season.
This caliber of competition appeared for De Haan again on Sept. 29, despite the close loss.
In the nail-biting five set battle that ensued against #11 College of Saint Mary, De Haan recorded 24 kills and 19 digs.
Taking things outdoors, van den Beld, a junior accounting major from the Netherlands, has had an excellent season on the pitch.
During the men soccer team’s impressive 6-0 win over Mount Marty on Sept. 26, van den Beld walked away with an assist as well as a goal of his own. Again, in the Raider’s match against Jamestown van den Beld scored the lone goal off of a corner kick.
Not only was van den Beld awarded Raider Athlete of The Week, but he was also recently bestowed with the honor of Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) offensive player of the week. As of now van den Beld has the second most goals in the GPAC with eight goals.
There is still much of the fall sport season left to play and we all hope to see Raider athletes shine in whatever way that may be.
If you would like to see the volleyball team continue their impressive and successful season, you can watch them in their next home outing on Wednesday, Oct. 11 against Morningside.
The men’s soccer team can be seen back at home on Saturday Oct. 21 against Hastings.
