CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) announced the weekly awards for the week ending 10/19/25. The University of Dubuque Spartans had three conference athletes of the week as Leah Balsbaugh (Women's Golf), Alyssa Tranchita (Women's Soccer), and Taylor Bechen (Women's Volleyball) all earned weekly recognition.

Balsbaugh (Sussex, Wis. / Hamilton HS) was named A-R-C Female Athlete of the Week / Women's Golfer of the Week after her performance at the A-R-C Women's Golf Championships, becoming a two-time A-R-C champion. Balsbaugh had rounds of 75-77-79 to finish 15 over par and win the title by two strokes. The senior finished her conference championships career a two-time medalist, becoming the first in UD school history to win multiple titles. 

Tranchita (Greenfield, Wis. / Whitnall) played a pivotal role in the Spartans going 2-0 this week. The senior midfielder scored the game-winning goal against Simpson College and then helped put the game away with an assist on the Spartans' second goal of the game. Tranchita tied a school record with 14 shots in a single game and tied for the second most shots on goal in a single game with nine. Over the weekend, Tranchita had a career-game in points, scoring twice and dishing out an assist in a 5-1 win over Augustana College (IL). 

Bechen (Ankeny, Iowa / Ankeny Centennial) was the conference defensive player of the week after helping the Spartans go 2-0 against conference opponents to remain unbeaten in conference play. Bechen recorded 41 digs over the two game stretch and against Nebraska Wesleyan she recorded her ninth game of the season with 20+ digs. The junior is earning her third volleyball athlete of the week award this season (9/8/25, 9/15/25, 10/20/25).