The Valparaiso University football team added to its list of Pioneer Football League accolades this season as senior punter Ben Niesner (Black Diamond, Wash. / Tahoma [Portland State]) was named the co-PFL Special Teams Player of the Week on Sunday.

Niesner averaged 47.8 yards per punt on six punts, playing a crucial role in flipping field position throughout Valpo’s 10-7 victory at Drake on Saturday. Three of Niesner’s six punts went for 50+ yards and he placed three inside the Drake 20-yard line. He booted a 58-yard punt, a career long and the longest by any Valpo punter since 2016.

In addition, Niesner served as the holder and delivered a strong hold for Valpo’s 49-yard made field goal in the third quarter, three points that proved to be the difference in the 10-7 victory. His efforts helped Valpo earn the program’s first-ever win at Drake and first victory in the head-to-head series since 2003.

This marks the second time in four weeks Niesner has garnered PFL Special Teams Player of the Week recognition. As a team, Valpo has won four official PFL honors this season and six total weekly awards counting those handed out by College Sports Madness. Robert Washington (3) and Keyon Turner (1) account for Valpo’s other weekly accolades.  

Valpo (3-1) will look to continue its strong season on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT at Morehead State on ESPN+.