SDSU's Higgins, WIU's Atkinson Earn Player of the Week Accolades
Courtney Higgins, FR., F, South Dakota State
Brookings, S.D./Brookings
Higgins captures her first career Offensive Player
of the Week award after collecting six points in two league wins
last week. Both shots resulted in goals, with one coming against
UMKC and the other over Southern Utah. The freshman also tallied an
assist in each match, while her goal vs. the Thunderbirds was the
game-winner. For the year, Higgins has three one goal, one assist
matches to give her three goals and three assists.
Also nominated: Quin Ryan, North Dakota State; Deanna
Colarossi, Oakland; Makell Southworth, Southern Utah; Ali Smyth,
Western Illinois.
Laura Atkinson, FR., GK, Western Illinois
Oregon, Wis./Oregon
Atkinson is honored with the Defensive Player of the
Week award after securing two double overtime victories last week
over Centenary and Oral Roberts. The freshman made six saves vs.
the Ladies, while stopping eight shots in a shutout, the first of
her career, against the Golden Eagles. For the week, the Oregon,
Wis., native had 14 saves, a .933 save percentage and 0.43 goals
against average. Atkinson lowered her league GAA to 0.95 on the
year.
Also nominated: Brittany Marx, IPFW; Abbey Stratton, North
Dakota State; Shannon Coley, Oakland; Jessica Heine, South Dakota
State.
