Lindsey Branch, UMW Sports Information
DILLON, Mont. – After an impressive weekend in Montana Western Athletics, the Bulldogs received four Frontier Conference Player of the Week awards with two coming football and two from women's volleyball.
In addition, John Mears of Montana Western has been named NAIA Football Special Teams Player of the Week. Mears is the fourth football player to earn this honor under head coach Ryan Nourse.
Mears, a senior kicker/punter from Belgrade, Mont., is the Special Teams Player of the Week for both the Frontier Conference. Mears went to a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals in helping No. 7 ranked Montana Western defeat No. 12 ranked Montana Tech 27-21. He hit a 49-yard field goal in the third quarter and a 22-yard field goal in the second quarter. Mears also went perfect 3-for-3 on PAT extra points kicks for the Bulldogs. He is currently perfect on the season, going 5-for-5 on field goals and 27-for-27 on PAT extra-point kicks. This is Mears' fifth career Erck Hotels / Frontier Conference Player of the Week award.
Swank, a senior defensive back from Maple Valley, Wash., is the Defensive Player of the Week. Swank had an impressive game defensively for the No. 7 ranked Montana Western in their 27-21 home victory over No. 12 ranked Montana Tech. He recorded two interceptions, with his second interception coming in the end zone and a return of 20 yards on the play. Swank also had three pass breakups and a pair of tackles as a defensive back. This is Swank's first career Erck Hotels / Frontier Conference Player of the Week award.
Smith, a senior outside hitter from Mossyrock, Wash., was chosen as the Attacker of the Week. Smith had a historic week for 19th ranked Montana Western when she shattered the single-match school record of 31 kills in 3-2 victory over (RV) Valley City State (N.D.). She averaged 6.2 kills per set and hit .375. She averaged 4.6 kills per set and registered a .270 hitting percentage in the North Star Athletic Association/Frontier Crossover Tournament for the Bulldogs. This is Smith's first career Erck Hotels / Frontier Conference Player of the Week award.
Goddard, a senior libero from Las Vegas, Nev., was named as the Defender of the Week. Goddard had a historic week for 19th ranked Bulldogs after she broke the single match digs school record, set by herself back in 2021 with 44 digs against Carroll. She totaled 47 digs in 3-2 victory over (RV) Valley City Sate (N.D.), averaging 9.4 digs per set. Goddard averaged 7.1 digs per set on the week for Montana Western and added 47 receptions with 93.6 percent reception rate. This is Goddard's second career Erck Hotels/Frontier Conference Player of the Week award.
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