GRAND FORKS, N.D.--University of North Dakota sophomore first baseman Nicole Puerling has been named North Central Conference Player of the Week, announced today by the league office.

A native of Camarillo, Calif., Puerling hit .542 (13-for-24) in UND's first games at the Gene Cusic Classic in Ft. Myers, Fla., where the Sioux have opened the season 4-4.

Among Puerling's 13 hits were four triples and one double. She also drove in seven runs as UND registered victories over Wilmington, Bridgeport, Siena Heights and West Chester.

UND resumes play today with games against Bridgeport and Port.