ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) announced its Player of the Week award winners Tuesday in the sports of baseball, softball, and men’s and women’s tennis for the week of February 19-25, 2024. The UMAC Player of the Week awards are nominated by UMAC coaches and athletics communications/sports information staff and selected each week by the latter group.
BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Bryce Crabb, Graduate Student, University of Northwestern
Des Moines, Iowa / Grand View Christian
- The remarkable two-way player was the starting pitcher and hit leadoff for the Eagles in the season opener. At the plate, he was the main run-producer for the Eagles in the 8-7 walk off win over Augsburg.
- He finished the afternoon 2-6 at the plate with two doubles, two runs scored, and three RBIs.
- Down by two in the bottom of the 10th, he hit a two run double to tie the game. He then came around to score the winning run to end the game.
BASEBALL PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Bryce Crabb, Graduate Student, University of Northwestern
Des Moines, Iowa / Grand View Christian
- In addition to his offensive output, Crabb got the opening day start on the mound for UNW.
- He pitched 6.0 innings, gave up three runs, and picked up eight strikeouts against Augsburg.
SOFTBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Alyssa Thornton, Freshman, University of Minnesota Morris
San Diego, Calif. / West Hills
- Thornton went 6-for-9 at the plate while slugging .889 in four games this weekend to open the season for Minnesota Morris.
- She had two doubles and two stolen bases along the way.
- In two pitching appearances for the week she had a 0.78 ERA.
SOFTBALL PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Skyla Bristol, Freshman, University of Minnesota Morris
Granite Falls, Wash. / Snohomish
- Bristol had a no-hitter in her first collegiate start, striking out 15 Concordia-Moorhead hitters and allowing zero earned runs in a 13-1 win in six innings on Saturday afternoon.
- She also had one relief appearance and struck out eight Macalester hitters in 4.2 innings while only allowing two earned runs.
- She finished her opening weekend with a 1.31 ERA, a 0.84 WHIP, and an opponent's batting average of .140.
MEN’S TENNIS NORTH DIVISION PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Stewart Morrell, Senior, University of Northwestern
Elk River, Minn. / Homeschool
- Morrell became the all-time winningest player in UNW Men's Tennis history on Saturday with his 117th career win (and counting).
- He teamed with Jacob Weddle at #1 doubles to win 8-7 (7-3) for the historic 117th win.
- Went on to win at #1 singles by a 6-4, 7-5 score to improve to 12-0 combined on the season and help the Eagles stay unbeaten at 6-0.
WOMEN’S TENNIS NORTH DIVISION PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Abby Johnson, Sophomore, University of Northwestern
Zimmerman, Minn. / Homeschool
- Johnson had a dominant day vs. UW-Stevens Point.
- She cruised to a 6-1, 6-1 win at #2 singles and teamed with Annie Orvis for a convincing, 8-1 win at #1 doubles.
- Johnson was the only Eagle to go 2-0 vs. the Pointers.
MEN’S TENNIS SOUTH DIVISION PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Andres Sanchez, Junior, Greenville University
Chiapas, Mexico / Chiapas
- Andres won both of his matches this past weekend at #1 singles and #1 doubles.
- He posted a 7-5, 7-6 win against NAIA foe Spring Arbor.
- He followed that up with a convincing 6-2, 6-0 victory against Albion College.
WOMEN’S TENNIS SOUTH DIVISION PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Macie Manasco, Sophomore, The W
Mathison, Miss. / Europa
- Macie won her singles match Friday against Ella Hathcock of Huntingdon College 2-6, 7-6 (7-3) 10-7.
- She dropped the first set and then rallied back to win the 2nd set in a tie breaker, before winning the 3rd set 10 point tie breaker.
- On Saturday Macie defeated Ellie Smith of LaGrange College 6-0, 6-0.
- Macie went 1-1 in doubles on the weekend dropping her match on Friday against Huntingdon but winning on Saturday against LaGrange.