BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bemidji State University’s Lanae Rash (G, 5-8, Jr., Milwaukee, Wis.) and Larry Miller (DB, 6-0, Jr., Dallas, Texas) have been named Beaver Pride Athletes of the Week after recording outstanding athletic performances during the week of Nov. 5-11.
Rash continued solid play for the BSU women’s basketball team, leading the Beavers to an 85-77 nonconference victory versus Mayville State University Nov. 9. The junior recorded her first double-double as a Beaver with 18 points and a season-best 10 rebounds, while shooting 56.3 percent from the field, 4-for-5 from the free throw line and added four steals and three assists.
Rash’s Beaver Pride Athlete of the Week selection marks the second consecutive award of the junior’s career and the second of the 2012-13 season for a member of the BSU women’s basketball team.
Miller posted a career-high two interceptions and returned the two picks 68 yards to set-up a pair Beavers’ touchdowns, while being a key member in holding Minot State University to four first downs and just 57 total yards of offense in the BSU football team’s 49-0 victory Saturday. His first interception was returned 19 yards to the Minot State 31 and six plays later the Beavers were ahead 14-0. On the very next Minot State possession, Miller brought in his second pick of the game and returned it 49 yards to the Minot State 42. Five plays later the BSU offense scored its third touchdown of the game and led 21-0. Miller added three tackles (one solo). He was also an important piece in allowing just 28 passing yards, which is the lowest by an opponent in the NSIC this season. The four first downs allowed also is a 2012 NSIC opponent low. The 57 yards allowed and 28 yards passing allowed by the Gang Green defense is a head coach Jeff Tesch-era record (17 seasons).
This week’s Beaver Pride Athlete of the Week award marks the first of the season for Miller, while it stands as the ninth time a member of the football team has been recognized by the organization this season.
The Beavers started 1-3, but finished the 2012 season 7-4 to record its 14th record of at least .500 in their last 15 seasons. The team’s 5-1 record at Chet Anderson Stadium ties a program-best for home wins in a season and marks the 11th consecutive winning record at home. Bemidji State went 6-1 in the North to share the North Division Title with University of Minnesota Duluth and record its best showing in the five years since beginning divisional play.
The BSU women’s basketball team travels to Cedar Rapids, Iowa Nov. 20 to wrap up its nonconference schedule versus Mount Mercy at 5:30 p.m. BSU begins its conference schedule Dec. 1 versus University of Minnesota, Crookston at 2 p.m. at the BSU Gymnasium.