LA MIRADA---The Biola men's water polo team swept the Western Water Polo Association's weekly awards, Mitchell Carpenter was selected as the Defensive Player of the Week and Nolan Rapp earned Offensive Player of the Week. 

Carpenter was named the WWPA's Defensive Player of the Week for his impressive performances in the goal. The Senior had 45 saves, a .500 save percentage and collected nine steals in four games. He recorded a season-high of 17 saves in a one-goal win over Westcliff and followed it up with 11 saves in the Eagles' victory over Redlands.

"Mitchell has been the backbone of our defense for the past three years and now as a senior, he not only continues to play that role well but is a true leader on our team," stated head coach Rick Nordell. "Our team has the utmost confidence in his ability in the cage."

"Our defense is getting better," stated Carpenter. "And our players are putting a lot more heart and effort into it."

Rapp earned the WWPA Offensive Player of the Week award after leading Biola to a 3-2 record last week. He played and started in all five of Biola's games, totaling nine goals, seven assists, eight steals, and won three of five sprints.

"Nolan has led the team for the past two years in points, assists and steals and this year, he is on track to do the same," said Nordell. "He is equally quick to dish out the assist to a teammate as he is to shoot and score. Nolan has a good vision of what needs to happen on the offensive end while playing his role well on the defensive side."

"Going into this week, I'm looking forward to playing with our team being more healthy," commented Rapp. "We are improving on defense and better defense means more steals, more turnovers and more time on offensive to produce."

Nordell concluded, "We are going to savor every moment and game we have with these two seniors this season!"

The men's water polo team plays next tomorrow Thursday, October 3rd at 9 a.m. against Mount St. Mary's at the Splash Aquatics Center.