ST. LOUIS – Illinois State soccer's Hannah Leinert and Abby Van Deventer have been named Missouri Valley Conference Players of the Week for the first week of the 2014 season, announced by the league office Tuesday afternoon.
Leinert secured the Offensive Player of the Week honor for the second time in her career. She began 2014 the same way she ended 2013 – racking up points. After a pointless opener in a 4-1 victory over Northern Illinois, Leinert recorded a team-best five points in less than three minutes on Sunday. With a 2-0 lead at halftime against Central Michigan, Leinert scored her first goal in the 53rd minute, scored her second in the 55th minute and assisted another in the 56th. She led ISU to a 5-1 victory and leads the team with five points.
In addition to being named Offensive Player of the Week by the conference, College Sports Madness also recognized Leinert as the MVC Player of the Week.
Van Deventer has been the rock for a dominating Illinois State defense the past two seasons. The Defensive Player of the Week led ISU's defensive unit to a solid first weekend. Van Deventer consistently shut down opposing attacks and was part of a defense that allowed just 14 shots, including only four on Sunday. ISU relented a goal in each game, but starting goalkeeper Aryn Newsom had to make just four saves across the two games thanks to Van Deventer's efforts. The award is the fifth of Van Deventer's career.
ISU will travel to College Station, Texas for a pair of games this weekend. Friday the Redbirds take on Sam Houston State and Sunday they face No. 4 Texas A&M.
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