A day after winning the Pioneer Football League co-Special Teams Player of the Week, Valparaiso University football senior Ben Niesner (Black Diamond, Wash. / Tahoma [Portland State]) added team Special Teams Player of the Week honors on Monday.

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.

Niesner ranks eighth in the nation at 43.7 yards per punt this season.

In addition, Valpo has announced its Scout Team Players of the Week – Offensive: redshirt sophomore tight end Liam O’Connell (Lincolnshire, Ill. / Stevenson), Defensive: redshirt junior defensive lineman Cade Bishop (Lafayette, Ind. / William Henry Harrison) and Special Teams: freshman Marvin Rushing (Detroit, Mich. / Cass Technical).

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