Sept. 30, 2009

BEMIDJI, Minn. -- Bemidji State University soccer forward Ashley Ellefsen (Jr., Hugo, Minn.) and running back Dustin Kroeplin (Fr., Withee, Wis.) have been named Beaver Pride Athletes of the Week after outstanding athletic performances during the week of Sept. 21-27.

Ellefsen moved to within six points of Bemidji State’s all-time soccer scoring title this weekend posting the first hat trick of her career in a victory over Minnesota State University, Moorhead. Her hat trick came in quick succession as she netted the three goals within 15 minutes late in the second half to secure the win for the Beavers. Her second goal of the afternoon, and sixth of the season, stood as her eighth career game-winning goal.

Ellefsen now has 65 career points to sit third on BSU’s scoring list behind Katie Meinhardt (69) and Becky Elk (71).

The award marks the second Beaver Pride weekly award during her career, while it stands as the fourth of the 2009 season for the BSU soccer squad.

Kroeplin led a Bemidji State running attack that rolled up 271 yards and four touchdowns with a career-high 112 yards and two TD plunges Saturday as the Beavers topped NSIC foe Northern State 42-20. Posting positive yardage on each of his 18 rushing attempts, he averaged 6.2 yards per carry with a long run of 14 yards.

This marks the second time this season Kroeplin has been recognized by Beaver Pride and the fourth time a BSU football player has been selected for the weekly award.

The Bemidji State soccer team, 7-2 overall and 3-1 in Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference play, hits the road this weekend for a pair of conference clashes. The Beavers are at Upper Iowa University Friday at 3 p.m. and travel to Winona, Minn. to match up with Winona State University Sunday at 1 p.m.

Kroeplin and the BSU football team welcomes St. Cloud State University to Chet Anderson Stadium this weekend for the Beavers’ 2009 Homecoming Game. Kick off is set for 1 p.m.

--bsu--