DENVER – Abilene Christian's Natalie Jones and Lamar's Nicole Panis been named TicketSmarter Western Athletic Conference Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, for October 18 through 24.
Jones, a junior midfielder from Lubbock, Texas, scored two goals including the game-winner on their upset 3-1 win over Stephen F. Austin, Sunday. It was her first multi-scoring game this season. Jones recorded a total of five shots with three on goal this weekend.
Panis, a junior goalkeeper from Opmeer, Netherlands, recorded a total of nine saves in one game contributing a major role as the Cardinals squeak a 0-0 draw against UT Rio Grande Valley, Saturday. Panis faced 15 shots made against her and managed to pick up her fifth shutout of the season. She is currently the WAC leader in number of saves with 89.
Other offensive nominees: Dixie State's Kalea Woodyatt contributed an assist on Thursday's 3-2 win over California Baptist then ended the week by scoring the Trailblazers' opening goal on their second win the week with a 2-1 over Seattle U, Saturday … NM State's Grace Olson scored the Aggies' winning goal in the second overtime when they hand Grand Canyon their first conference play loss on Saturday's 2-1 win … Sam Houston's Caitlyn McDonald scored two goals on the Bearkats' 2-0 win over Chicago State, Sunday … Stephen F Austin's Jayme Bailey scored the Lumberjacks' third goal when they secure the Southwest division title in Friday's 4-0 win over Chicago State … Utah Valley's Amber Tripp scored a goal and assisted the game winner on Thursday's 2-0 win over Seattle U, at the end of the week she flurried California Baptist's goal with four shots as the Wolverines pick up an 1-0 win, Saturday.
Other defensive nominees: Abilene Christian's Macie Stephens led a defensive line that only allowed 10 shots made against them this past week, contributing to two wins for the Wildcats … … Dixie State's Adelle Brown recorded the highest number of saves in the WAC this past week with ten, contributing major defensive role that led to two wins for the Trailblazers … Grand Canyon's Hannah Edwards contributed offensively for the Lopes as she scored their only goal this past week on Saturday's 1-2 loss against NM State … NM State's Makenna Gottschalk recorded a total of seven saves and only conceded one goal on Saturday's 2-1 win over West division leader Grand Canyon …. UT Rio Grande Valley's Maile Lunardi recorded a total of four saves which led to a shutout draw against Lamar, Saturday … Utah Valley's Brooklyn Nielsen recorded a pair of shutouts and four saves this past week as the Wolverines picked up two conference play wins.