Women's Soccer

South Dakota State Sweeps #SummitWSOC Awards

Posted: Oct 21, 2019

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – For the second time this season, the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State added a pair of Summit League weekly individual honors. Senior forward Leah Manuleleua earned the offensive player of the week, while senior goalkeeper Maggie Smither claimed the defensive honor for the second-straight week.

Manuleleua earned the fifth weekly accolade of her career after breaking SDSU's career game-winning goals record in a 1-0 win against Western Illinois. The Manteca, Calif., native also notched an assist against Purdue Fort Wayne as the Jackrabbits recorded a 3-0 victory.

Smither racked up an impressive list of milestones, as she broke the school's career saves record in a 1-0 win against Western Illinois. The Sioux Falls, S.D., also held Purdue Fort Wayne scoreless and has now posted the most shutouts in a season in league and program history with 12 overall. She finished the week with 12 saves.

OFFENSIVE
Leah Manuleleua, South Dakota State
Sr. | F | Manteca, Calif.

Became SDSU's all-time leader in game-winning goals against Western Illinois
Recorded an assist in the 75^th-minute against Purdue Fort Wayne
Earned fifth-career Player of the Week accolade

Also nominated: Natalie Beckman, Denver; Amy Andrews, Western Illinois; Tiannah Moore, South Dakota; Jordan Langebartels, Oral Roberts; Danielle Algera, North Dakota State

DEFENSIVE
Maggie Smither, South Dakota State
Sr. | GK | Sioux Falls, S.D.

Broke SDSU's career saves record in a 1-0 win against Western Illinois
Has recorded a league and program-record 12 shutouts this season
Earned seventh career Player of the Week accolade and third of the season

Also nominated: Brittney Lewis, Denver; Ines Palmiero, Western Illinois; Abby Ostrem, South Dakota; Monica Polgar, North Dakota State

Previous Players of the Week
August 26
Offense: Mariah Haberle, North Dakota State
Defense: Monica Polgar, North Dakota State
September 3
Offense: Elyse Huber, North Dakota State
Defense: Brittany Wilson, Denver
September 9
Offense: Mara Yapello, North Dakota
Defense: Catherine Klein, North Dakota
September 16
Offense: Leah Manuleleua, South Dakota State
Defense: Magie Smither, South Dakota State
September 23
Offense: Elyse Huber, North Dakota State; Alexis Mithcell, South Dakota
Defense: Rachel Preston, South Dakota State
September 30
Offense: Samatha Feller, Denver
Defense: Margaret Lavagne, Omaha
October 7
Offense: Zoe Clarke Western Illinois
Defense: Ines Palmiero, Western Illinois
October 14
Offense: Natalie Beckman, Denver
Defense: Catherine Kelin, North Dakota; Maggie Smither, South Dakota State