Sept. 30, 2009

BEMIDJI, Minn. -- Bemidji State University setter Courtney Bitter (So., Bemidji, Minn.) and linebacker Jake Anderson (Sr., Karlstad, Minn.) have been named Beaver Pride Athletes of the Week after outstanding athletic performances during the week of Sept. 28-Oct. 4.

Bitter posted her first-career triple-double in the five-set victory over Augustana College, Oct. 2. In the match she had 46 set assists, a season-high 19 digs and a career-high 11 kills. She also added a career-high four blocks (4 ba), two service aces and posted a season-high .417 attacking percentage. Her performance led the Beavers to their first win against Augustana since Oct. 30, 1980. The following evening, Bitter helped BSU push No. 22 Wayne State to the limits, as the Beavers took the Wildcats to the fifth set before bowing out. She had 49 set assists for her fifth 45-plus assist match of the season and third in the last four matches. She added seven kills, six digs, a .375 attacking percentage and two service aces.

Over 10 sets last weekend, Bitter had 95 assists (9.50 a/s), a .905 setting percentage, 25 digs (2.50 d/s), 18 kills (1.80 k/s), a .400 attacking percentage, four blocks and four service aces.

The announcement marks the second Beaver Pride award of the season for Bitter and the third of her career, while it stands as the second of 2009 for the BSU volleyball squad.

Anderson registered a career-high 16 tackles (three solo) in a 38-27 homecoming loss to St. Cloud State Oct. 3 to mark the first time a BSU player has recorded more than 15 tackles in over two years. Included in his career day were three quarterback sacks, three tackles for loss and a pass break up. Anderson, now ranks third on the team in total tackles with 37 stops (10 solo), while leading the Beavers in tackles for loss (7.5) and sacks (5.5).

This marks the first Beaver Pride Athlete of the Week award for the season for Anderson, the second of his career and the fifth time the 2009 Beaver football team has been honored.

The BSU volleyball team, which is 6-11 overall and 3-4 in NSIC play, hits the road this weekend for a pair of league match ups. Friday the Beavers are set to battle top-ranked Concordia University-St. Paul before traveling to St. Cloud, Minn. to face St. Cloud State University Saturday.

Anderson and the BSU football team welcome No. 14 Wayne State College Saturday in the annual Lions’ Vision Awareness Game. Kick off is set for 1 p.m. at Chet Anderson Stadium.

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