For the second time this season and fourth time in his Valparaiso University football career, punter Ben Niesner (Black Diamond, Wash. / Tahoma [Portland State]) is the Pioneer Football League Special Teams Player of the Week.

Niesner sustained his punting prowess during this week’s game at San Diego, averaging 48.7 yards over seven attempts. He bookended his day with boots that traveled over 60 yards, booming one 63 yards to the San Diego 3-yard line in the first quarter before later unleashing a 62-yard punt in the fourth.

Two of the longest punts of his accomplished Beacon career came on Saturday with the 63 yarder matching a season long set in the Oct. 9 game against St. Thomas and also tying for his second-longest punt in a Valpo uniform.

Niesner’s season average is up to 43.3 yards per punt, a mark that leads the PFL and ranks 13^th nationally. Last season, he tied the program and league record at 43.6 yards per punt.