SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – North Dakota State forward Morgan Russmann and midfielder Olivia Watson were named the latest Summit League Women’s Soccer Peak Performers of the Week. Russmann collected the offensive accolade, while Watson earned the defensive honor, league officials announced Monday.
Russmann scored three goals and added an assist in the NDSU’s victories against South Dakota State and South Dakota that propelled the Bison into sole possession of first place in the Summit standings.
The Bettendorf, Iowa native scored the solo goal in the 30
th minute of NDSU’s 1-0 win over South Dakota State, which was the freshman’s third game-winner in the last four matches for the Bison.
In NDSU’s 4-2 win at South Dakota, Russmann scored from the penalty spot early in the second half to push the Bison lead to 2-0. She then assisted on Hannah Arnold’s eventual game-winner in the 57
th minute before adding an insurance goal in the 62
nd minute to cap the scoring for the visitors.
Watson shifted to a defensive midfield spot in home wins over South Dakota State and South Dakota. The senior helped NDSU shutout the Jackrabbits, who are the league’s highest-scoring team, then added an assist in the win over the Coyotes.
OFFENSIVE PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Morgan Russmann, North Dakota State
Fr. | F | Bettendorf, Iowa
- Secured her second career brace against South Dakota (4-2).
- Recorded three goals and an assist and now leads all Summit players with nine goals and 21 points on the season.
- This is the first career Summit League weekly honor for Russmann.
Also nominated: Arne Carson (Oral Roberts) and Ashby Johnston (South Dakota).
DEFENSIVE PEAK PERFORMER OF THE WEEK
Olivia Watson, North Dakota State
Sr. | D/MF | Moorhead, Minn.
- Held down the Bison’s defense in a 1-0 shutout against South Dakota State.
- Logged an assist in NDSU’s win over the Coyotes.
- This is the second career Summit League weekly honor for Watson.
Also nominated: Alexa Riefer (Oral Roberts), Sam Luft (South Dakota), and Hayley Lindaman (South Dakota State.
2024 Women’s Soccer Peak Performers of the Week
August 19
O: Ashley Koch, Kansas City
D: Maddie Sibbing, Kansas City
August 26
O: Michaela McGowan, Denver
D: Katherine Jones, South Dakota State
September 3
O: Lexi Huber, St. Thomas
D: Emma Thielbahr, Denver
September 9
O: Madison Page, Kansas City
D: Mia Reedtz Rehde Olesen, Omaha
September 16
O: Julia Thasaphong, Oral Roberts
D: Regan Zimmers, Omaha
September 23
O: Adriana Benassi, Kansas City
D: Alexa Riefer, Oral Roberts
September 30
O: Samantha Guzman, Oral Roberts
D: Grace Miller, North Dakota
October 7
O: Izzy Quintavalle, South Dakota
D: Lauren Eckerle, South Dakota State
October 14
O: Ella Frost, Denver
D: Grace Crockett, Omaha
October 21
O: Morgan Russmann, North Dakota State
D: Olivia Watson, North Dakota State
#SummitWSOC
