GALESBURG, Ill. ­— The Knox College athletics department announced its Male and Female Athletes of the Week for events played between Oct. 21-27, and they look a lot like last week's honorees. That's because outside hitter Caroline Wolters of the volleyball team and forward Kestervens Dera of the men's soccer squad were the award winners last week, and continued their excellent play to warrant selection once again.

A sophomore from Palm Bay, Florida, Dera continued his offensive surge over two games last week, beginning with a goal and an assist in a 5-2 victory over Monmouth College on Oct. 24. He then stole the show on Senior Day, scoring all three Prairie Fire goals in a 3-2 triumph over Lawrence University, his second hat trick in a three-game span. His nine goals on the season lead the team despite missing seven games to injury, and he is fourth in the Midwest Conference in goals but has the highst amount of goals per game (1.0). His goal-scoring binge has coincided with a four-game Knox winning streak. Dera was also named the MWC Men's Soccer Offensive Performer of the Week for a second straight week.

Wolters, a senior from Ames, Iowa, enjoyed her time on her home court in Memorial Gymnasium, helping the Prairie Fire win consecutive games for the first time in two years. First up was a showdown with Eureka College, and she provided 17 kills with a .324 attack percentage and a career-best 30 digs in the four-set victory. On Saturday, her 13 kills and digs carried Knox to another four-set win, this time against Midwest Conference foe Ripon, capped by a thrilling 29-27 decision in the fourth set. Wolters leads the Prairie fire with 155 kills on the year and is only nine behind junior teammate Sam Black for the lead in digs with 212. She was also chosen as the MWC Volleyball Offensive Performer of the Week for the first time in her career.

The Knox Athletes of the Week will be announced every Tuesday afternoon throughout the athletic calendar.