SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – South Dakota senior midfielder Alexis Mitchell and Denver defender Alex Nillen were named the Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, league officials announced Monday.
 
Mitchell recorded a goal and assist in each match against North Dakota, as the Coyotes posted two shutout victories and clinched a spot in the league tournament. The Lee’s Summit, Mo., native as assisted on the game-winners in both matches and both her goals came off penalty kicks, including one off a deflection, finishing the rebound. In all, Mitchell had four shots with two of them on goal over the weekend.
 
Nillen captained a Denver backline that earned a pair of shutout wins at Kansas City to clinch the program’s third-straight Summit League regular season crown. The Lakewood, Colo., native assisted on Sunday’s game-winning goal from Kaitlyn Glover’s 64^th minute header. Furthermore, Nillen led a Pioneer defense that held the Roos to just seven shots and only two on target over 180 minutes of play.
 
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Alexis Mitchell, South Dakota
Sr. | MF | Lee’s Summit, Mo.

• Recorded a goal and an assist in each winning match against North Dakota
• Posted four shots with two on goal and helped the Coyotes recorded two shutouts wins against the Fighting Hawks
• This is the second career Summit League weekly accolade for Mitchell

Also nominated: Natalie Beckman (Denver), Olivia Lovick (North Dakota State), Mia Kitterman (Oral Roberts), Kayla Wisniewski (South Dakota State)
 
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Alex Nillen, Denver
Sr. | D | Lakewood, Colo.

• Captained a Denver backline that earned a pair of shutouts at Kansas City to clinch the program’s third-straight Summit League regular season title
• Assisted on Sunday game-winning goal
• Led a Pioneer defense that held the Roos to just seven shots and only two on target over 180 minutes of play
• This is the first career Summit League weekly honor for Nillen

Also nominated: Sofia Howe (North Dakota State), Emma Harkleroad (South Dakota), Taylor Lock (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
March 29
O: Megan Wright, North Dakota
D: Taylor Parker, Denver
April 5
O: Eden Brooker, South Dakota State
D: Emma Harkleroad, South Dakota
April 12
O: Alexis Mitchell, South Dakota
D: Alex Nillen, Denver

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