In brief: Goalkeeper Bekken receives two awards

Lindsay Bekken, a Westminster College sophomore from Lewis and Clark, was doubly rewarded for her performance for the Griffins’ women’s soccer team last weekend, including earning national recognition.

Bekken was named both the Frontier Conference and NAIA national defensive player of the week after recording back-to-back shutouts. The Griffins defeated No. 10 Point Loma (Calif.) Nazarene and Embry-Riddle (Ariz.) both 1-0 following a 1-0 loss to Saint Thomas (Fla.).

It was her second conference honor. She is the first from her school to receive the national award.

In 300 minutes last weekend, Bekken has 12 saves and allowed just the one goal to Saint Thomas. She ranks 16th nationally in total saves with 38.

“Lindsay played great for us,” coach Tony LeBlanc said. “… we are excited for her.”

College scene

Chessey Thomas, the St. George’s graduate who played her high school golf for Lewis and Clark, found herself in some tough company in her collegiate debut for Tennessee.

The 12th-ranked Lady Vols played in the NCAA Fall Preview tournament in Bryan, Texas, finishing last in the 18-team event that included nine of the top 10 teams in the country.

Thomas shot 76-79-80. The 19-over-par total of 235 was the fourth-best score for Tennessee and 81st overall.

• Bo Smokoska (Lakeside-Nine Mile Falls) signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Edmonds Community College in Lynnwood, Wash.

Paralympics

Five members from Team St. Luke’s will compete for Team USA at the International Paralympic Committee Athletics World Championships, Jan. 21-30 at Christchurch, New Zealand.

Chelsea McClammer, Christine Nielson, Amberlynn Weber, Austin Pruitt and Kasey Andrews will be among 54 athletes on Team USA’s roster.