Grace goalkeeper Bethany Blackwell was honored for her play this past week. (Photo courtesy Jeff Nycz, Mid-South Images)

WINONA LAKE – Grace College had another three athletes honored for their play this past week.

Gina Novotny was named the Crossroads League Defender of the Week on Monday.

Novotny’s award is the fourth player of the week honor for Grace this season from the league, joining Alexa Hill, Caylie Teel and Kelsee Zuidema.

Novotny turned in 106 digs last week for an average of 5.3 digs per set. She set a new career high with 34 digs against Olivet Nazarene. She currently leads Grace’s squad with 370 digs on the year.

The Lady Lancers have two home matches coming up, including St. Francis on Wednesday and Taylor on Friday. Both matches start at 7 p.m. at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.

The Crossroads League voted Emily Mast as the Player of the Week for Grace’s women’s tennis team.

Mast was a perfect 8-0 last week for Grace at No. 1 doubles and No. 1 singles. Her perfect week helped Grace earn its 12th win of the season, setting a program record for most victories in a single season.

Against league opponent Marian, Mast won 9-7 at No. 1 doubles with Jenna Jackson. She then defeated her opponent at No. 1 singles 6-2, 6-2.

The Lady Lancers finished the regular season as the No. 4 team in the league. Grace will host Taylor in the quarterfinals of the CL Tournament at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Bethany Blackwood earned the first national honor of her young career as the NCCAA National Defensive Player of the Week.

Blackwood is off to a fast start for Grace’s women’s soccer team. She recorded her fourth straight shutout last week for Grace. She made eight saves in 180 scoreless minutes to beat Huntington and Goshen.

She is currently on a scoreless streak of 429 minutes and 30 seconds for Grace. Blackwood ranks No. 4 in the NAIA in goals against average (0.360/game).

The Lady Lancers (10-1, 2-0 Crossroads League) are on the road this week, playing at Bethel on Wednesday and Taylor on Saturday.