Nielsen, a senior forward, averaged 21 points and 16.7 rebounds in three games dating back to December 28. She scored 35 points on 12-of-21 shooting with 15 rebounds in a 62-60 loss to Amherst (then-No. 7 WBCA, No. 9 D3hoops.com) at the Land of Magic Classic on Dec. 28. She responded with a 17-point, 16-rebound double-double as the Storm held off Kenyon, 60-58, on Dec. 29. Nielsen opened conference play with an 11-point, 19-board double-double in a 62-50 win at Buena Vista on Jan. 5. The 35 points against Amherst are the fifth-most in school history and the most since 1996 while her 19 rebounds against BV were one shy of the school record. Nielsen now has five double-doubles this season and 11 for her career. (IIAC Female Athlete of the Week)
Special mention — Kayla Waskow, sr., G, Coe; Mollie Whiting, sr. PG, Dubuque; Kailey Kladivo, fr., C, Wartburg
