CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) released this week's conference athletes of the week. University of Dubuque women's volleyball student-athlete Taylor Bechen earned her fifth weekly honor of the season from the conference on Monday afternoon.

Bechen (Ankeny, Iowa / Ankeny Centennial) earned her fifth athlete of the week honor of the season by anchoring the Spartans' defense during their 3-0 sweep of crosstown rival Loras College last Wednesday evening. The victory solidified the Spartans' undefeated conference season and secured the top overall seed in the A-R-C Tournament. Bechen recorded 33 digs in the match, good for 11 digs per set. Her dig total of 33 was her highest amongst three-set matches this season. Bechen also added three assists during the contest.

The #20 Spartans will begin the conference tournament in the semifinals against either Central College or Nebraska Wesleyan University on Thursday evening. With a win, the Spartans will host the conference championship game on Saturday night, with the winner advancing to the national tournament.