Two impact players from the University of Minnesota Duluth were recognized as players of the week by the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference for their efforts in two matches last week.

Middle blocker Alyssa Nelson was named offensive player of the week, while sophomore setter Eleena Iisakka was named the week's top setter.

Nelson opened the conference season with a bang, averaging 4.17 kills per set in UMD's first two home matches of 2009. The junior from Hayfield, Minn. registered 13 kills in Friday night's win over the University of Minnesota-Crookston before adding another 12 in Saturday's triumph over Minnesota State University-Moorhead. In addition to her impressive kill totals, Nelson was incredibly efficient, as she committed just two errors and hit .590 for the weekend to help lead UMD, which did not lose a set against either of its opponents at Romano Gymnasium.

Iisakka finished the weekend with 72 kill assists, good for an average of 12.00 per set. Her steady hand helped the Bulldogs hit a league-leading .434 as a team. The Esko, Minn. product also added four service aces in the six sets played.

UMD is on the road tonight for a scheduled conference tilt with the Marauders from the University of Mary. The match kicks off at 7:00 p.m.