PORTLAND, Ore. — The Montana State University Billings baseball team swept the conference's weekly honors for the second time in three weeks, as seniors Brennen Chappell and River Smith were named Pitcher and Player of the Week by the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
 
The duo powered the Yellowjackets to a 3-1 series win over Regis University, outscoring the Rangers 46-21 across the four-game set. MSUB's lineup produced its most explosive weekend of the season, finishing first in Division II in doubles per game (5.75), fourth in team batting average (.435), and fifth in slugging percentage (.721).
 
 River Smith *first career GNAC Player of the Week honor
 Smith led the offensive surge, going 9-for-16 (.563) with a .750 on-base percentage and a .875 slugging mark. The Livingston, Montana, native recorded five doubles in four games — ranking second
 nationally for the week at 1.25 per game — while scoring seven runs, drawing three walks, and driving in seven more.
 
 "It seemed like River stepped up every time we needed a clutch hit and performed, said head coach Derek Waddoups. "He had a good weekend taking quality at-bats. It was great to see him drive the ball
consistently throughout the weekend."

Brennen Chappell *second career GNAC Pitcher of the Week honor
On the mound, Chappell delivered a standout outing to secure his sixth career victory and second of the season. The Kimberly, Idaho, native tossed eight innings — the longest start by a Yellowjacket this year — and struck out a career-high 11 batters. He allowed just one run on three hits and three walks, finishing with a 0.75 WHIP and averaging 1.375 strikeouts per inning.
 
"Chappell really had it going on this weekend," Waddoups said. "He created a lot of swing and miss and consistently pitched ahead in counts. His command of the fastball to both sides of the plate kept hitters guessing throughout his entire outing."
 
MSUB, which received votes in the latest NCBWA West Region Poll, improved to 6-5 following the series win and now turns its attention to No. 12 Colorado Mesa University. The Yellowjackets travel to Grand Junction for a four-game series against the Mavericks, beginning Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.