The University of Minnesota Duluth Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has established a fund in memory of former Bulldogs softball player Mandy Matula.

The UMD Softball 1 Four Mandy Matula Fund was established in partnership with her family. It will provide financial support for the Bulldogs softball program.

Matula was a starting pitcher and utility player for UMD from the 2007 through 2010 seasons. Her No. 14 jersey will be retired this spring.

Matula, of Eden Prairie, was 24 when she disappeared last May. Her remains were found in Stearns County in October. Police believe her ex-boyfriend shot her before killing himself.

Big volleyball hire

Joe Getzin was introduced as the new volleyball coach at Winona State. He coached at Mississippi the past 12 season and was a two-time SEC coach of the year in 2006 and '07 and led Ole Miss to three NCAA appearances.

Awards galore for U

• Gophers teammates Hannah Brandt and Milica McMillen were named the WCHA offensive and defensive players of the week.

Brandt, a sophomore forward from Vadnais Heights, had four goals and had an assist as Minnesota swept visiting Bemidji State.

McMillen, a sophomore defenseman from St. Paul, had five assists in the series.

• St. Cloud State forward Lauren Hespenheide, a freshman from Shakopee, was the rookie of the week.

• Emie Peronnin, a Gophers freshman from Frejus, France, was named the Big Ten women's golfer of the week.

She shot a 216, including a closing 3-under 69, to finish 18th in the Central Florida Classic.

• Gophers swimmers swept the Big Ten freshman of the week honors. Maddie Hoch, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., was the women's winner with three top-three finishes in the Minnesota Challenge.

Eric Sande, of Bakersfield, Calif., won the men's award.