CLEVELAND - The Mid-American Conference announced App State sophomore midfielder
Grace Ball as the Defensive Player of the Week Tuesday.
Ball helped App State to its first win against a ranked opponent in program history by holding No. 24 James Madison to zero goals Friday. She poured in 59 minutes Friday and 60 against Ohio State Sunday to help the Mountaineers to a 1-1 weekend. Against Ohio State, Ball snagged a defensive save in the second period to keep the game within reach.
"I'm pumped for Grace and our team for this weekly award," head coach
Meghan Dawson said. "Grace displayed a ton of grit and work ethic all weekend.
"She was extremely tough to get by all weekend and especially on Sunday with her defensive save against Ohio State."
Ball's defensive Player of the Week Award is the first for the Black & Gold this season, and the first of her career. The last time a Mountaineer won this award was when Rachel Gaines received the honors in September of 2019.
After allowing just two goals all weekend, Ball and the team look ahead to Friday at home where they will begin conference play. App State will host Miami (OH) on Friday and Davidson on Sunday in Boone, N.C.
