SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Denver forward Sydney Sharp was named the Offensive Player of the Week, while Western Illinois goalkeeper Megan Rasmussen was named the Defensive Player of the Week, league officials announced Monday.

Sharp played a vital role in all three goals in a series sweep against North Dakota. In game one, Sharp was credited with four points, including the game-winning goal to send the Pioneers past the Fighting Hawks. Her third goal of the season came in the 71^st minute and the Palos Verdes Estates, Calif., native also assisted on Denver’s two other goals. In game two, Sharp drew a penalty kick that led to teammate Natalie Beckman’s goal.
 
Rasmussen and the Leathernecks recorded two shutout wins against Oral Roberts, for their first two wins of the season. Rasmussen recorded her first career shutout in game one, doing so on two saves. In game two, the Oswego, Ill., native was credited with her second-straight shutout on five saves.
  
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Sydney Sharp, Denver
So. | F | Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.

• Played a role in all three goals in a series sweep against North Dakota
• Scored the game-winning goal in the 71^st minute and assisted on Denver’s two other goals in game one
• Also drew a penalty kick that led to teammate Natalie Beckman’s goal in game two
• This is the first career Summit League weekly honor for Sharp

Also nominated: Sophia Green (Omaha), Amy Andrews (Western Illinois), Caijah Anderson (Kansas City), Kayla Wisniewski, (South Dakota State), Tiannah Moore (South Dakota)
 
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Megan Rasmussen, Western Illinois
Sr. | GK | Oswego, Ill.

• Recorded two shutout wins against Oral Roberts
• Captured first career shutout in game one, doing so on two saves
• Credited with her second-straight shutout on five saves
• This is the first career Summit League weekly award for Rasmussen

Also nominated: Margaret Lavigne (Omaha), Mackenzie Caldwell (Kansas City), Gabby Vivier-Hannay (South Dakota State)
 
2020 Women’s Soccer Players of the Week
February 8
O: Martha Helsee, Oral Roberts
D: Nerea Arrazola, Denver
February 16
O: Natalie Beckman, Denver
D: Margaret LaVigne, Omaha
February 22
O: Natalie Beckman, Denver
D: Taylor Parker, Denver
March 1
O: Natalie Beckman, Denver
D: Gabby Viver-Hannay, South Dakota State
March 8
O: Maya Hansen, South Dakota State
D: Grace Thede, Omaha
March 15
O: Eden Brooker, South Dakota State
D: Jordyn West, Omaha
March 22
O: Sydney Sharp, Denver
D: Megan Rasmussen, Western Illinois

#SummitWSOC