SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) revealed its weekly award winners in an announcement Monday, and four Yellowjackets were recognized.
 
Juniors Halle Barker (Superior, Wis./Superior Senior) and Michael Butterfield (Bovey, Minn./Greenway) swept the Cross Country category, picking up Runner of the Week honors. Senior Kaylin Plautz (Elk River, Minn./Elk River) received the Volleyball Offensive Player of the Week citation, and junior Conner Willard (Hibbing, Minn./Hibbing) was tabbed as the Men's Golf Athlete of the Week.
 
Barker picked up her first citation of the season after leading the Yellowjackets in the Bulldog Open Thursday, finishing 15th overall against the rest of the field. Barker clocked a 20:15 on the 5k course, which was the fastest run by a UMAC runner this fall. With this finish, she sets a new PR by nearly three minutes.
 
On the men's side, Butterfield also led the 'Jackets in the Bulldog Open. He placed 12th overall against the other race participants, clocking a 19:25. With this race time, Butterfield set a new PR by well over a minute.
 
The Yellowjacket volleyball team had a successful weekend at the Subway Stinger Classic, going 4-0 in tournament play. A key contributor to the team's success was Plautz, as she registered 47 kills, 18 digs, 56 points and 16 total blocks. For her performance, she was named to the All-Tournament team.
 
Willard shined this weekend at the Twin Ports Collegiate, a tournament that returned to the Yellowjackets' home course after a four-year hiatus. In his first round Willard carded a 71, making him the only golfer to play at par on the day. During his second round the Yellowjacket junior fired a 73, securing the first-place finish. Willard was consistent all weekend, registering two birdies in each round of action to lead the tournament field.
 
Both Yellowjacket cross country teams are back in action at the Running of the Cows Sept. 16. Race times for the men's and women's teams are set for 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., respectively.
 
The Yellowjacket volleyball team is in action next weekend at the Sandy Schumacher Memorial Tournament. They will face UW-River Falls at 5 p.m. and Beloit at 7 p.m. on the campus of UW-Eau Claire.
 
The Yellowjacket golf team sets their sights on the UMAC Preview Sept. 14. Tee time is set for 10 a.m. at the Pebble Creek Golf Club.