Northern Michigan University’s Jordyn Schmittdiel, right, is fouled going up for a shot during a game played against Minnesota-Duluth at Vandament Arena in Marquette on Nov. 21. (Photo courtesy Cara Kamps)

MARQUETTE — She was the model of efficiency and for that women’s basketball player Jordan Schmittdiel of Northern Michigan University has been named Defensive Player of the Week by the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Despite averaging just over 15 minutes per game in wins at Lake Superior State and Saginaw Valley State, the redshirt freshman guard-forward from White Bear Lake, Minnesota, grabbed 10 rebounds in each game as the Wildcats improved to 15-3 overall and 5-2 in the GLIAC.

She was also noted for her impact that was felt the most at the defensive end, with her energy, rebounding presence and ability to disrupt opposing offenses leading NMU’s second unit.

In Northern’s 80-61 win at LSSU, she scored five points after hitting 2 of 3 shots from the field, making 10 rebounds, three steals and an assist. She was also cited for consistently disrupting passing lanes and stepping out from the low block to cut off driving guards.

Then in a 67-51 victory at SVSU, she again scored five points and pulled down 10 rebounds in just 13 minutes court time, hitting 3 of 4 free throws, and getting a steal and assist.

In GLIAC games, Schmittdiel ranks 10th with 7.1 rebounds per game even as she always comes off the bench and gets limited time on the court, averaging exactly 15 minutes per conference contest.

NMU returns home to Vandament Arena this week to host Purdue Northwest at 5:30 p.m. Thursday and second-place Wayne State at 1 p.m. Saturday.

Story contents based on Northern Michigan University Sports Information press release reviewing the honor. Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee’s email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.