Women's Soccer Weekly Notebook (PDF)
Strong 2017 Start
After three weeks of competition, the MVC has a combined record of over .500 (24-20-2) in non-league play.
Regional Rankings
Two MVC teams are in The United Soccer Coaches' Midwest Regional Ranking. Valparaiso, making the list for the third-straight week, fell to No. 15. Northern Iowa lands at No. 12 in the rankings.
UNI on the Leaderboard
UNI remains undefeated after 5 games. The Panthers are one of 14 teams with a 1.000 win-loss percentage. Junior goalkeeper, Jami Reichenberger, is ranked No. 2 in shutouts for the season, behind UW-Milwaukee who has played one more game.
Undefeated at Home
Northern Iowa, Valparaiso, Drake, and Indiana State have not lost a game at home this season. Valparaiso is 4-0 at Brown Field which matches their program best at home start set in 2005.
MVC Offensive Player of the Week
Sydney Griffin, Jr., F, Valparaiso (Hinsdale, Ill.)
Griffin continued her hot start to the season with two more goals in a pair of Valpo wins last weekend. Griffin opened the scoring in the 13th minute of Valpo’s eventual overtime win over Eastern Illinois, and then on Sunday scored the game’s lone goal late in the first half of a 1-0 win over Belmont. Through her first six games as a Crusader, Griffin has scored four goals - two of which have been match-winners.
MVC Defensive Player of the Week
Kezia Gesell, Fr., GK, Valparaiso (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Gesell stood out Sunday in her first career victory and her first career shutout, blanking a Belmont side which had scored 11 goals over the season’s first three games. Gesell made nine saves to earn the clean sheet, seven of which came with the score still 0-0 and a number of which were of the highlight-reel variety. The nine saves were the most by a Valpo keeper in a shutout since October of 2012.
MVC Newcomer of the Week
Katie Sidloski, So., MF, Indiana State (Strongsville, Ohio)
Katie Sidloski had an impressive weekend of play for the Sycamores. Even though Sidloski is a sophomore, this is her first year of collegiate competition after battling through injury her freshman season. During the Sycamores 2-0 win over Green Bay, Sidloski recorded three points during the match. These points came from a goal and an assist. Sidloski is now second in points for the Sycamores.
In addition to the league’s Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week selections, several conference players had notable performances, and they include:
Offense: Rebecca Rodgers, Drake; Emily Dickman, Illinois State; Katie Sidloski, Indiana State; Katie Grall, Loyola;
Kayleigh Putnam, Missouri State; Sarah Brandt, UNI
Defense: Ali Smith, Drake; Haley Smith, Illinois State; Caitlyn Eddy, Indiana State
Newcomer: Olivia Bruce, Drake; Sarah Lafayette, Illinois State; Jenna Ross, Loyola; Kezia Gesell, Valparaiso