University of Minnesota Duluth soccer sophomore midfielder Nora Helvig has been named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Midfielder of the Year, earning a seventh conference player of the year award for the Bulldogs in program history.

A product of Lino Lakes, Minn., Helvig was tied for 10th in NSIC play with 15 points and was tied for third in game-winning goals (3). Helvig started all 19 games and had a team-best 18 points on seven goals and four assists. With six of her seven tallies in league play, Helvig had the seventh most goals in NSIC action. 

Helvig joins Hannah Bengston (2009, Defensive Player of the Year), Sharon Lahti (1997, Player of the Year), Reegan Lloyd (2011, Defensive Player of the Year), Sheridan Reiners (2014, Newcomer of the Year), Maureen Stormont (2013, Player of the Year) and Jenny Warrick (1999, Player of the Year) as Bulldogs who have been tabbed for end of year league honors over UMD's history.

In addition to Helvig's big honor, the Bulldogs had four players named to the two All-Conference NSIC teams. Helvig was named to the All-NSIC First Team, while forward Lauren McGough, defender Keira Olabode and goaltender Edy Halverson were all name to the All-NSIC Second team.

McGough led UMD with eight goals – sixth in the NSIC – and tied for the team-lead of 18 points over 19 games. The junior attacker from Farmington, Minn. had four game-winning goals which was also the fourth most in the conference.

Olabode played in all 19 games for UMD so far this season and logged two goals, including one game-winning goal. The native of Prior Lake, Minn. was part of a Bulldog backline that allowed the third least goals in the NSIC – 13 and the third lowest goals against average – .68 a game.

Halverson started in 17 games and allowed just 10 goals for a 0.59 goals against average – the second lowest in the NSIC. The product of Mendota Heights, Minn. owns the second highest saves percentage (.861) and the third-most shutouts (9). UMD has not allowed a goal in its last four games – all shutouts with Halverson in between the pipes.

The Bulldogs as a team will face Bemidji State University in the NSIC Tournament semifinals on Friday , the first semifinal postseason game for UMD since 2014. Kick-off is scheduled for 10:00 a.m.