Another exciting week of competition brought standout performances across basketball, baseball, and softball in the GSAC. From clutch offense and dominant defensive efforts o to explosive offensive showings at the plate and outings in the circle, this week’s Players of the Week delivered when it mattered most. These awards are presented by Athletic Solutions.
Men’s Basketball Offensive Player of the Week
Tanner Pate, Park University Gilbert Buccaneers
Tanner Pate was the engine behind Park-Gilbert’s perfect 2-0 road swing, delivering clutch plays and explosive scoring when the Buccaneers needed it most. In a thrilling 98-95 overtime win against La Sierra University, the redshirt junior guard showcased his poise under pressure. Pate dished out eight assists, including a critical helper to Mahlik Lindsey that tied the game at 95 in the closing seconds of regulation. Moments later, he stole a pass on the final possession and buried a buzzer-beating three-pointer to seal the victory, capping a 23-point, five-rebound, five-steal performance in 40 minutes of action.
He followed that up with a career-high 31 points in an 80-72 win over Life Pacific University. Pate shot an efficient 12-of-20 from the field and knocked down seven three-pointers at a 53.8% clip. Over the two games, he averaged 27.0 points per contest while shooting 53.8% overall and 45.5% from beyond the arc, adding 10 total assists against just two turnovers. His offensive firepower and late-game heroics proved pivotal in lifting the Buccaneers to a statement week on the road.
Men’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week
Jay Lee, Arizona Christian University
Jay Lee anchored the paint and powered Arizona Christian to two critical wins, pulling the Firestorm into a three-way tie for first place in the GSAC standings. In a gritty 67-58 defensive battle against Hope International University, Lee controlled the glass with eight defensive rebounds, while adding two blocks and a steal. His physical presence and rim protection set the tone in a game where every possession mattered.
The senior center elevated his play even further in an 80-71 victory over The Master's University, recording a dominant double-double. Lee totaled 16 rebounds—11 on the defensive end—along with two more blocks and 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting. For the week, he averaged 13.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game, consistently shutting down opposing offenses and controlling the interior to help the Firestorm surge up the conference standings.
Women’s Basketball Offensive Player of the Week
Aliyah Gonzalez, Hope International University
Aliyah Gonzalez led the Royals’ offensive charge as Hope International remained tied atop the GSAC with wins over Arizona Christian and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Prescott. In an 80-72 victory against Arizona Christian, Gonzalez erupted for a career-high 26 points, hitting five three-pointers and tying her season best with nine rebounds. She shot 8-of-17 from the field and displayed confidence from deep, stretching the defense and opening up the floor for her teammates.
She added 13 points in a 70-50 win over Embry-Riddle, finishing the week with averages of 19.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Gonzalez shot 48.0% overall and 42.9% from three-point range, continuing to prove herself as one of the conference’s most dynamic perimeter scorers. Her ability to score at all three levels and contribute on the glass played a key role in keeping the Royals at the top of the standings.
Women’s Basketball Defensive Player of the Week
Alli VanKooten, The Master's University
Alli VanKooten delivered a commanding defensive performance in The Master’s 77-48 win over Arizona Christian. The junior center pulled down a career-high 19 rebounds, including 12 on the defensive end, completely controlling the boards and limiting second-chance opportunities. Her presence in the paint altered shots, secured possessions, and fueled transition opportunities for her team.
VanKooten also took on the challenge of guarding the GSAC’s leading scorer, holding Emily Till to just 12 points while contributing 20 points of her own. A four-time GSAC Defensive Player of the Week, VanKooten once again demonstrated why she is one of the conference’s premier defensive anchors.
Baseball Player of the Week
Jack Drew, The Master's University
Jack Drew paced The Master’s offense in a four-game split against Oregon Institute of Technology, going 8-for-15 (.533) at the plate. The sophomore outfielder recorded at least one hit in all four games and produced three-hit performances twice during the series. He finished with four runs scored and four RBIs, consistently igniting the lineup with timely contact and extra-base power.
Drew blasted his second home run of the season and posted an impressive 1.388 OPS for the week. With a .588 on-base percentage and .800 slugging percentage, he demonstrated a well-rounded offensive approach that kept pressure on opposing pitchers. His steady production was instrumental in keeping The Master’s competitive throughout the tightly contested series.
Baseball Pitcher of the Week
Jake Thrift, Hope International University
Jake Thrift delivered a dominant outing on the mound in Hope International’s 4-1 win over Cal Poly Pomona. The junior right-hander tossed 7.2 innings, allowing just four hits and one unearned run while walking two and striking out five. His command and composure were evident as he kept hitters off balance throughout the contest.
Thrift’s performance was particularly impressive in high-leverage moments, as the Broncos did not advance a runner into scoring position until the sixth inning. He finished with a 0.00 ERA for the outing and a stellar 0.78 WHIP, setting the tone for a statement victory. His efficiency and ability to limit damage made him the clear choice for Pitcher of the Week honors.
Softball Player of the Week
Dayna Herrera, Arizona Christian University
Dayna Herrera was locked in at the plate, batting an extraordinary .688 across six games for Arizona Christian. She recorded at least one hit in every contest and totaled 11 hits in 16 at-bats, including three doubles and two home runs. Against Bushnell, Herrera delivered a standout performance with a double and a homer in the same game, while also drawing two walks in a later matchup, including a key seventh-inning free pass with two runners on base.
In addition to her offensive production, Herrera contributed in the circle, earning two wins and a save over 14 innings pitched. She struck out 12 batters and posted a 4.00 ERA for the week, proving her value as a versatile two-way player. Whether at the plate or in the circle, Herrera’s all-around impact fueled a strong stretch for the Firestorm.
Softball Pitcher of the Week
Alexis Ayersman, Ottawa University Arizona
Alexis Ayersman powered OUAZ to four wins during a busy week, earning three victories in the circle. The senior pitcher logged 22 innings and struck out 16 batters while posting a 3.82 ERA. Her consistency and endurance were crucial as the Spirit navigated a demanding slate of games.
Her top performance came in a complete-game win over University of British Columbia, where she limited the opposition to just two runs. Ayersman’s ability to work deep into games and deliver in key moments provided stability for the Spirit, making her efforts instrumental in the team’s successful week.