OGDEN, Utah (September 1, 2015) – Northern Colorado almost picked up a sweep in this week’s Big Sky soccer Player of the Week honors with senior defender Adrienne Jordan earning the Defensive Player of the Week nod. On the offensive side, UNC midfielder Rebecca Lancia shared this week’s Offensive Player of the Week honor with North Dakota’s Varonica Kessler.
Kessler, a freshman from Balmoral, Manitoba scored the first two goals of her collegiate career in UND’s 4-0 win over South Dakota last Sunday. She opened her account in the 40th minute with the eventual game-winning goal. She followed with her second goal of the day in the 75th minute. Kessler played 34 minutes and tallied four shots.
Northern Colorado picked up two wins this weekend. The Bears opened their home slate with a 1-0 win over Atlantic Coast Conference member Pittsburgh on Thursday. UNC followed with a 3-1 road win at Southeast Missouri State on Sunday. Lancia assisted both game-winners over the weekend. On Thursday, Lancia found Sydney Schroeder for the game-winner in the 93rd minute. Lancia posted three shots on goal against Pitt. Against SEMO, Lancia’s corner kick was finished by Kassy Castillo for the game-winner in the 12th minute.
Jordan, a senior from Colorado Springs, Colo., played all 93 minutes against Pitt, and helped hold off the Panthers in overtime, giving the Bears a chance to score the game-winning goal. The win against Pittsburgh was the first win over an ACC team in program history. Jordan also helped defend against six shots on goal by SEMO team, keeping the UNC lead at 1-0 for 88 minutes.
Others Nominated:
Offense: Paige Robins - Southern Utah; Katie Moller – North Dakota; Maria Sanchez – Idaho State; Mackenzie Akins – Montana; Chloe Williams – Eastern Washington; Clara Gomez - Idaho
Defense: Kristy Johnson – Southern Utah; Amanda Poertner – Idaho; Sheridan Hapsic – Idaho State; Angela Haluska - Sacramento State; Olivia Swenson - North Dakota; Abbey Clayton - Weber State