Sept. 23, 2009

BEMIDJI, Minn. -- Bemidji State University soccer goalkeeper Samantha Ross (Jr., Stillwater, Minn.) and defensive lineman Jordan Lardinois (Jr., New Franken, Wis.) have been named Beaver Pride Athletes of the Week after outstanding athletic performances during the week of Sept. 14-20.

Ross was instrumental to the Beavers’ success over the weekend. She made eight saves against No. 5 Minnesota State University, Mankato to keep the game scoreless through 90 minutes. Before allowing a goal 7:34 into overtime, Ross set a new school record for most consecutive-scoreless minutes played by a goalkeeper at 523:07. The goal allowed against MSU was her only one allowed this season.

On Sunday, she recorded her third win of the year stopping three Southwest Minnesota State shots on goal in 45 minutes played.

Ross has 18 saves on the season with a .947 save percentage.

The award marks the second time Ross has garnered Beaver Pride’s weekly award during her career, while it stands as the third of the 2009 season for the BSU soccer squad.

Lardinois was a vital cog on a BSU defensive front that held the MSU Moorhead running game to a meager -11 yards--the Beavers’ best effort versus the run since they held Winona State University to -37 Oct. 21, 2006--in a 38-13 victory Saturday. He posted a season-high five tackles (four solo), four of which were for a loss of 18 yards, while rolling up a pair of quarterback sacks. In addition, Lardinois recovered a fumble and returned it six yards to set up a scoring drive to put BSU up 17-3 late in the first half.

Although Lardinois is the third BSU football player to be selected for the award this fall, the junior is the first defensive honoree. It also marks the first Beaver Pride Athlete of the Week honor for Lardinois.

The Bemidji State soccer team, 5-2 overall and 1-1 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play, hits the road this weekend for a pair of conference clashes. The Beavers are at University of Minnesota, Crookston Friday at 3 p.m. before traveling to Moorhead. Minn. to match up with MSU Moorhead at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Lardinois looks to help the 3-1 BSU football team to its third consecutive NSIC win this weekend when they make the tip to Aberdeen, S.D. to battle Northern State University. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. at Carl Swisher Field.

--bsu--