DES MOINES, Iowa – Drake guards Abbie Aalsma and Anna Becker both garnered weekly conference awards after starting the 2025-26 season on the right foot. Aalsma picked up the first MVC Player of the Week award while Becker was named MVC Freshman of the Week.

Aalsma opened the season on fire, averaging 22.5 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 55 percent from the field and 50 percent from three-point range. She tallied 22 points with three assists in a win at Eastern Illinois and followed with 23 points and three rebounds against Creighton, pacing the Bulldogs’ offense in both contests.

Becker made an immediate impact in her collegiate debut, averaging 13.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while shooting 50% from the floor. Becker scored 22 points with seven rebounds and 10 made free throws in a season-opening win at Eastern Illinois, then added five points and six boards against Creighton.

UIC’s Jessica Carrothers, a Butler and IU Northwest transfer, collected MVC Newcomer of the Week honors.

Aalsma, Becker, and the Bulldogs will be at No. 21 Iowa on Thursday before returning home to battle No. 14 Iowa State next week.