Seniors Kate Del Fava (offensive) and Haley Smith (defensive) earned Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week recognitions for their performances on Senior Day over the weekend, as announced by the conference office Monday afternoon.
Illinois State has now collected a total of nine MVC Player of the Week accolades this season, and has won all seven Offensive Player of the Weeks possible. The Redbirds' seven weeks holding the Offensive Player of the Week title is a MVC record.
Del Fava tallied two goals and an assist in Sunday's 3-0 shutout of Evansville, the second consecutive MVC game that she has had five points. The senior scored in the 23rd and 70th minutes, before assisting on the final goal in the 89th minute. It was her fifth multi-goal game of the year and second in as many games. Del Fava leads the MVC with 13 goals, 29 points, and four game-winning goals.
The senior midfielder has been named the Offensive Player of the Week on five occasions this season, setting a new MVC record for the number of times a student-athlete has received the Offensive Player of the Week honor. Former Redbird Rachel Tejada had previously earned the honor four times in a season in three separate years (2012, 2013, 2014). Tejada still maintains the record for total Player of the Week honors held by a Redbird in a single season with seven total (2011, six newcomer and one offensive).
Smith collected her fourth shutout of the year and second in as many games on Sunday, as ISU posted a 3-0 win at home. Smith tallied six saves on the day and improved to a 7-4 record on the season. She currently holds a 1.30 goals against average and a 0.770 save percentage in 11 appearances. This is the second time this season Smith has been recognized by the Valley with a weekly honor, and the eighth time in her career.
For all latest on Illinois State soccer, stay tuned at GoRedbirds.com and follow the team on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App:Â Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
