GLIAC -- The Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) has announced the fourth GLIAC Lacrosse Athlete of the Week awards for the 2024 season. Northern Michigan senior midfielder Minnie Bittell was named offensive player of the week, while Grand Valley State senior defender Hope Leinen was selected for defensive player of the week recognition.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Minnie Bittell, Northern Michigan

Minnie Bittell continued her torrid pace to her 2024 lacrosse season, scoring 16 goals and 21 points with one game-winning goal over three games to aid the Wildcats to a 2-1 week-long trip through Missouri. Along with her offensive prowess, Bittell recorded seven ground balls, three caused turnovers, and 21 draw controls, with 13 of those wins coming on Wednesday against William Jewell. Bittell holds GLIAC-bests in goals (43), assists (15), and points (58), is 10 goals away from 200 career tallies, and is on pace to smash her previous single-season career highs in all categories.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK - Hope Leinen, Grand Valley State

For the second time in her career, GVSU senior defender Hope Leinen has been named the GLIAC Defensive Player of the Week. She tallied three groundballs and caused three turnovers over the two games this weekend. In Wednesday’s game against Maryville, Leinen caused three turnovers and grabbed two groundballs. She followed that up on Sunday with one groundball I the 16-3 win over Ashland. She played a massive role in the Laker defensive effort in that allowed just 10 shots throughout the game and forced 24 Eagles turnovers.

HONORABLE MENTION

Offense: Susie Monson (CSP), Sydney Stone (GVSU)

Defense: Alyssa Bird (DU), Natalie Thomas (NMU)